New Delhi-  In a significant appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has requested the withdrawal of all criminal cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth who were arrested during nationwide protests on April 2, 2018. The protests had erupted against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a legislation widely seen as a crucial safeguard against caste-based violence and discrimination.

According to the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, fourteen Dalit youth lost their lives on that day. The protests were triggered by a judicial pronouncement that weakened the original Act, which had empowered millions of Dalits and Adivasis to seek justice against systemic discrimination. The letter notes that Parliament subsequently enacted the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act in 2018, restoring the law’s strength, and the Supreme Court upheld the amendment in 2020.

Gandhi has urged the government to take a compassionate view, requesting a review of all cases registered in connection with the April 2 protests, the withdrawal or quashing of these cases, and relief for innocent youth from prolonged legal proceedings. The letter highlights that many of the arrested youth are first-generation learners, and pending cases have adversely affected their education, job prospects, and futures. The appeal concludes with a call to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to constitutional values, social justice, and the dignity of every Indian.

What triggered the protests?

The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 protects the SC/ST caste groups. The act does not allow the court to grant anticipatory bail to accused person. The police must file a First Information Report (FIR) and arrest the accused on receiving a complaint.

 In 2016, the conviction rate under the act was 25.7% in cases of atrocities against SC and 20.8% in cases against ST in 2016, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. On 20 March 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that no arrests can be made without prior permission and allowed a court to grant an anticipatory bail if it, prima facie, finds the complaint an abuse of the law. The Attorney General of India, on behalf of the Government of India, filed a review petition against the order of the Supreme Court.

The protest was a response to the Supreme Court judgment. The protests turned violent in several states, with incidents of arson, vandalism, and clashes with police. Protesters blocked trains and roads, and a curfew was imposed in areas like Hindaun in Rajasthan. At least 14 people were killed, including nine in Madhya Pradesh, three in Uttar Pradesh, and two in Rajasthan.

 In some regions, especially in Rajasthan, Dalit homes and properties were targeted in retaliation by other groups.Following the protests, Parliament passed the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 to restore the original, more stringent provisions of the act.