SC/ST Act: Apex Court allows Centre's review plea, quashes own verdict

In a landmark decision on Tuesday, Supreme Court has quashed its own decision of 2018 that diluted  Scheduled Castes And Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (POA Act). top court h earlier diluted SC/ST Act, by placing guidelines for arrest under this Act. On October 1, three-judge bench has ruled out its own verdict and has allowed government's review petition on issue. ditionally, SC in its verdict has highlighted that struggle of SC/ST people for equality is still t over in country. apex court said, "SC/ST people still face untouchability, abuse and are being socially outcast."  top court has partially recalled directions on March 20, 2018 verdict which virtually diluted provision of arrest under SC/ST Act. It said that verdict was t called for. 

RE: Supreme Court restricts police's power over attachment of property

Dilution of SC/ST Act

A two-judge Bench of Supreme Court, on March 20, flagged “rampant misuse” of Act, “as an instrument to blackmail or to wreak personal vengeance”. verdict allowed for anticipatory bail for accused in some instances. court laid down guidelines for arrest. It included prior sanction by a superior officer before arrest of an accused, and brought in a provision for a preliminary inquiry. After massive outcry due to SC's verdict,  Union Cabinet in August last year approved an amendment to Act to undo ‘dilution’ of law by Supreme Court. Centre n decided to file a review plea over top court's order. 

RE: BCCI state units welcome Supreme Court verdict for holding elections

Protest after dilution of act

In aftermath of verdict last year, Dalit groups all across country led massive protests. protests turned violent in many places. At least seven people were killed and over 100 injured in various parts of country. issue was n raised in Parliament, where MPs urged Centre to promulgate an Ordinance to restore Act.

RE: Four Campus Law Centre classmates are w Supreme Court judges

RE: Supreme Court gets four new judges, attains full strength of 34