— ✍️Deepesh Chithra

Due to the deeply entrenched caste system in Indian society, untouchability, discrimination, and violence against Dalits have continued for centuries. The rights of Dalits have been systematically denied by dominant caste groups, especially when it comes to accessing public spaces. Historically, Dalits were not allowed by dominant caste Hindus to take water from public wells and tanks, based on the belief that their touch would “pollute” these sources. To address this, due to continued struggles, the Bombay Legislative Assembly passed a resolution in 1924 allowing Dalits to use public water sources. However, this faced strong resistance from dominant caste communities.

It was in this context that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha on March 20, 1927, a significant movement in the history of India, where thousands of Dalits marched to the Chavdar tank and asserted their right to draw and drink water. This was not just about water; it was about dignity and equality—to demonstrate that Dalits are equal to anyone, and to affirm the right to access public resources.

As Mahad completed 99 years on 20 March 2026 and marches toward its 100th year, it is important to ask: what is the status of Dalits today in accessing public spaces? Has independence changed this reality? Do Dalits have equal access to the very streets, temples, government institutions, and other public spaces as guaranteed by the Constitution? Or are these spaces still controlled by caste?

The answers are uncomfortable.

A recent report authored by me and published by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, ‘Five Years of Caste-Based Atrocity: An Analysis of Crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India (2019–2023)’, reveals a harsh reality based on National Crime Records Bureau data. Atrocities against Scheduled Castes increased by 25.8%, from 45,935 cases in 2019 to 57,789 in 2023. More specifically, atrocities against Dalits for accessing public spaces increased by 592.3% (from 26 cases in 2019 to 180 in 2023). At the same time, social boycott and forced displacement increased by 240%. Atrocities against Scheduled Tribes also increased by 57%, and cases of land dispossession rose sharply. Cases of land being taken away from Scheduled Tribes by dominant castes increased by 750%, and social boycott and forced displacement increased by 241.2%.

These statistical data clearly show that caste-based control over public spaces continues. It is important to understand that these are only registered cases. For many Dalit and Adivasi survivors, the struggle begins even before filing an FIR. Due to caste bias within the police and the social, economic, and political power held by dominant caste groups, many cases are either not registered or are diluted.

This statistical evidence raises a serious question: who really owns public spaces in India today? Is it the Constitution, or is it still the caste system?

Even after almost 100 years of Mahad, and despite constitutional guarantees, Dalits continue to face violence for accessing basic public resources, whether it is a street, a temple, a water source, or common land—which highlights that the struggle of Mahad is not over. It continues.

India celebrates its global achievements and technological progress, including being the first country to reach the South Pole. But at the same time, many Dalits are still struggling to enter a temple that is a few meters away from their home, to walk freely on a street in their villages, or to access a public space without fear. This shows the failure of the Indian State to uphold its constitutional promise to Dalits and Adivasis. The BJP-led government sets its vision ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’. If the rights of Dalits and Adivasis are not addressed, Viksit Bharat 2047 will be a mere mirage.

In many ways, it is evident that Dalits are still “waiting for a visa” to live in their own country.

- Deepesh Chithra is a Research and Advocacy Officer, at
National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), New Delhi.