U.P. Rajasthan, M.P. top in cases of atrocities on Dalits

Recent reports have highlighted cases of atrocities against SCs and STs.

Key Findings on Atrocities Against SCs and STs (2022)

• 97.7% of atrocities against SCs were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh leading in the number of cases.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Reported the highest number of atrocities against SCs, with 12,287 cases (23.78%).
• Rajasthan and Odisha: Both states featured significantly in both SC and ST-related crimes.
• 98.91% of atrocities against STs were also concentrated in 13 states, with Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan reporting the highest cases.
  • Madhya Pradesh: Led in ST cases, with 2,979 cases (30.61%)
• Conviction rates under the Act have declined, dropping to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020.
• Many states still lack the necessary special courts to handle these cases efficiently.

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Who are Dalit?

• Dalits, also known as Scheduled Castes (SCs), are a socially disadvantaged group in India.
• Historically, they were considered “untouchable” and faced severe discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society

Constitutional provisions to protect Rights of Dalits/SC

• Article 15(1): Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability.
• Article 23: Prohibits forced labour or begar.  
• Article 46: Directs the state to promote the welfare of SCs and STs.
• Articles 16(4) & 16(5): Provide for reservations in services and posts for SCs and STs.
• Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and liberty, which includes the right to be free from discrimination.
• Article 335: Directs the state to ensure adequate representation of SCs and STs in services and posts under the state.
• Scheduled Cases and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

Persisting Challenges in Implementation

• Declining conviction rates and delayed investigations pose major hurdles in securing justice.
• Inadequate special courts: Out of 498 districts across 14 states, only 194 have set up special courts.
• Some states, like Uttar Pradesh, report no atrocity-prone areas despite high numbers of cases.
• SC/ST protection cells exist, but their efficacy remains uneven across states.

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Way Forward

• Strengthen special courts: Ensure the establishment of more special courts for faster trials.
• Improve conviction rates: Focus on improving investigation processes and addressing legal gaps.
• Identify atrocity-prone areas: States should recognize and address high-risk regions for targeted interventions.
• Awareness and sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns to prevent atrocities and ensure better enforcement of the SC/ST Act.