The government on Sunday cleared an ordinance
making penal provisions
more stringent to
deter people committing crimes against members of SCs and STs communities.
The
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
Ordinance, cleared in over two-hour-long meeting of the Union Cabinet in New
Delhi on Sunday, proposes that common crimes like rape, assault and kidnapping
should also be brought under the purview of this act. Most of these crimes invite punishment of less
than 10 years but with amendments crimes like these will invite punishment for
more than 10 years. The amendments to
Section 3 also define new crimes and add some to the list. Obstructing use of
common property, allegations of witchcraft, preventing entry in place of
worship, social economic boycott and promoting enmity are some of the changes
which have been added to the list.
These crimes will now be considered as
cruelty against SC and STs. There had been demands that penal provisions be
given more teeth and the ambit of crimes against SCs and STs be broadened to
prevent atrocities in any form. The measure also establishes special courts for
the trial of such offenses and the rehabilitation of victims.