Stringent punishment for atrocities on SC, ST under new Act
New Delhi: An Act which provides for stringent action against those committing atrocities against SC and ST communities or indulging in actions which are derogatory to their dignity, including social or economic boycott, will come into effect from tomorrow. As per the the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Amendment Act, 2015, actions like tonsuring of head, moustache, or similar acts which are derogatory to the dignity of members of SCs and STs, will now be treated as offences of atrocities. "Certain criminal offences like hurt, grievous hurt, intimidation, kidnapping etc, attracting less than ten years of imprisonment, committed against members of SC/ST, will be treated as offences punishable under the PoA Act. "Presently, only those offences listed in IPC as attracting punishment of 10 years or more and committed on members of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe are accepted as offences falling under the PoA Act," said a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under the Act, Exclusive Special Courts will be established and Exclusive Special Public Prosecutors will be appointed to try the offences under the PoA Act toenable speedy and expeditious disposal of cases.
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