Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutional validity of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 that ruled out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs.

Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutional validity of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 that ruled out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs. According to the apex court, a court can grant anticipatory bail only in cases where a prima facie case is not made out. A Bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Ravindra Bhat pronounced the verdict on pleas challenging the Act. Justice Ravindra Bhat, the other member of the bench, said in a concurring verdict that every citizen needs to treat fellow citizens equally and foster the concept of fraternity. A court can quash the FIR if a prima facie case is not made out under the SC/ST Act and the liberal use of anticipatory bail will defeat the intention of Parliament, Justice Bhat added. The top court's verdict came on a batch of PILs challenging the validity of the SC/ST Amendment Act of 2018, which was brought to nullify the effect of the apex court's 2018 ruling, which had diluted the provisions of the stringent Act. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court upholds constitutional validity of SC/ST Amendment Act, 2018

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-supreme-court-seeks-centres-reply-on-pleas-challenging-decision-253017">apex court</a> observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions.

"Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said.

The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18.

A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-grant-any-extra-day-after-october-18-to-complete-arguments-sc-tells-parties-in-ayodhya-case-252178">case</a>.

The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act.

The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures. The apex court observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions. "Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said. The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18. A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the case. The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act. The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

Supreme Court partially sets aside its 2018 order, allows Centre's review petition against dilution of SC/ST Act

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the review petition filed by the Central government against its judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra heard the petition which was referred to it by a two-judge bench last week.

The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

A two-judge bench had, on March 2018, passed a slew of directions, directing that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority".

The apex court had held that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

It also introduced the anticipatory bail provision and a preliminary probe by the police before the arrest of the accused.

The Centre had filed the petition in the court and later made amendments in the Act to overcome the top court's order.

The implementation of the amendment in the law was not stayed by the court.

The court is seized of a bunch of other petitions opposing amendments to the Act passed by the Parliament that rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs.

The pleas alleged that Parliament had "arbitrarily" amended the law.

The amendments provide that no preliminary inquiry would be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the review petition filed by the Central government against its judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the review petition filed by the Central government against its judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra heard the petition which was referred to it by a two-judge bench last week. The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country. A two-judge bench had, on March 2018, passed a slew of directions, directing that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority". The apex court had held that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. It also introduced the anticipatory bail provision and a preliminary probe by the police before the arrest of the accused. The Centre had filed the petition in the court and later made amendments in the Act to overcome the top court's order. The implementation of the amendment in the law was not stayed by the court. The court is seized of a bunch of other petitions opposing amendments to the Act passed by the Parliament that rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs. The pleas alleged that Parliament had "arbitrarily" amended the law. The amendments provide that no preliminary inquiry would be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.

Supreme Court reserves order on Centre's review plea against order diluting provisions of SC/ST Act

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">SC/ST Act</a> that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-consider-listing-of-centres-review-petitions-challenging-scst-act-amendments-together-192688">Centre's review petition</a> will be heard on February 19.

A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit said the issue requires hearing in detail and it will be appropriate if all matters are heard on February 19.

The bench refused to stay the amendments to the SC/ST Act after senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioners who had challenged the changes made to the Act, sought an immediate stay on it.

The apex court had on January 25 said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

The top court had earlier refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused.&nbsp;

Parliament on August 9 last year had passed a bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.

On March 20, 2018, the apex court had taken note of the rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act against government servants and private individuals and said there would be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

The top court had earlier said that the new amendments to the SC/ST law passed by Parliament cannot be stayed and had sought the Centre's response to pleas challenging the provisions.

The pleas have sought a declaration of the new amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires.

The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order.

They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.

The court was hearing the pleas alleging that two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the SC/ST Act that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the Centre's review petition will be heard on February 19.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the SC/ST Act that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the Centre's review petition will be heard on February 19. A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit said the issue requires hearing in detail and it will be appropriate if all matters are heard on February 19. The bench refused to stay the amendments to the SC/ST Act after senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioners who had challenged the changes made to the Act, sought an immediate stay on it. The apex court had on January 25 said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench. The top court had earlier refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused. Parliament on August 9 last year had passed a bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law. On March 20, 2018, the apex court had taken note of the rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act against government servants and private individuals and said there would be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law. The top court had earlier said that the new amendments to the SC/ST law passed by Parliament cannot be stayed and had sought the Centre's response to pleas challenging the provisions. The pleas have sought a declaration of the new amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires. The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order. They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval. The court was hearing the pleas alleging that two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

Supreme Court again refuses to stay amendments to SC/ST Act

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it will consider and do the needful.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said that a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on Thursday passed an order, saying it will be appropriate to hear the Centre's review and writ petitions against the SC/ST Act 2018 together.

The apex court had on Thursday refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused.

Parliament on August 9 last year had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.

The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it will consider and do the needful. Attorney General K K Venugopal said that a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on Thursday passed an order, saying it will be appropriate to hear the Centre's review and writ petitions against the SC/ST Act 2018 together. The apex court had on Thursday refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused. Parliament on August 9 last year had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law. The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

Supreme Court to consider listing of Centre's review, petitions challenging SC/ST Act amendments together

The Centre has justified before the Supreme Court the amendments brought in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to overcome the controversial apex court’s order diluting the provision of arrest under the law.

The government also said Parliament has the power to bring such amendment.

Parliament had on August 9 passed the bill to overturn the apex court’s March 20 order concerning safeguards against arrest under the SC/ST Act.

The Supreme Court had passed a slew of directions and said a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act only after prior approval by the competent authority.

The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order.

In its affidavit filed in the top court, the Centre said it would be “incorrect” to assume that high acquittal rates in cases under the act were due to false cases and there was misuse of the law.

The government referred to statistics and said there was no decrease in the atrocities committed on the members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.

The affidavit was filed in pursuance to the court’s direction asking the Centre to respond on a batch of petitions challenging the new amendments in the SC/ST Act.

“It is incorrect to assume that high rate of acquittal under the SC/ST Act is largely on account of false cases and misuse of provisions of the act,” the government said in its affidavit.

Giving the number of cases lodged under the act, the Centre said in 2014, 47,124 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act followed by 44,839 and 47,338 cases in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

It said the rate of conviction was 28.8 per cent in the year 2014, 25.8 per cent in 2015 and 24.9 per cent in 2016.

Referring to the factors which led to acquittal in cases registered under the act, the government said delay in lodging of the FIRs, lack of corroborative evidence and witnesses turning hostile were some of the reasons behind it.

“Therefore, it is misconceived and misleading to suggest that acquittals singularly take place owing to either false cases or that the provisions of the SC/ST Act are being misused,” the affidavit said.

It said amendments to the act were made following the apex court order diluting the provision of arrest and it was based on “well reasoned objective” to strengthen the statutory framework to give protection to the members of SC and ST communities.

The amendments provide that no preliminary inquiry would be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.

The apex court is seized of a batch of pleas which has alleged the two Houses of Parliament had “arbitrarily” decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

The court is scheduled to hear the matter next month.

The Centre has justified before the Supreme Court the amendments brought in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to overcome the controversial apex court’s order diluting the provision of arrest under the law.

The Centre has justified before the Supreme Court the amendments brought in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to overcome the controversial apex court’s order diluting the provision of arrest under the law. The government also said Parliament has the power to bring such amendment. Parliament had on August 9 passed the bill to overturn the apex court’s March 20 order concerning safeguards against arrest under the SC/ST Act. The Supreme Court had passed a slew of directions and said a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act only after prior approval by the competent authority. The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order. In its affidavit filed in the top court, the Centre said it would be “incorrect” to assume that high acquittal rates in cases under the act were due to false cases and there was misuse of the law. The government referred to statistics and said there was no decrease in the atrocities committed on the members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities. The affidavit was filed in pursuance to the court’s direction asking the Centre to respond on a batch of petitions challenging the new amendments in the SC/ST Act. “It is incorrect to assume that high rate of acquittal under the SC/ST Act is largely on account of false cases and misuse of provisions of the act,” the government said in its affidavit. Giving the number of cases lodged under the act, the Centre said in 2014, 47,124 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act followed by 44,839 and 47,338 cases in 2015 and 2016 respectively. It said the rate of conviction was 28.8 per cent in the year 2014, 25.8 per cent in 2015 and 24.9 per cent in 2016. Referring to the factors which led to acquittal in cases registered under the act, the government said delay in lodging of the FIRs, lack of corroborative evidence and witnesses turning hostile were some of the reasons behind it. “Therefore, it is misconceived and misleading to suggest that acquittals singularly take place owing to either false cases or that the provisions of the SC/ST Act are being misused,” the affidavit said. It said amendments to the act were made following the apex court order diluting the provision of arrest and it was based on “well reasoned objective” to strengthen the statutory framework to give protection to the members of SC and ST communities. The amendments provide that no preliminary inquiry would be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval. The apex court is seized of a batch of pleas which has alleged the two Houses of Parliament had “arbitrarily” decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail. The court is scheduled to hear the matter next month.

Centre justifies in Supreme Court amendments made in SC/ST Act

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking recall of its controversial verdict on the SC/ST Act alleging that the judgement was delivered on the basis of a "forged FIR" which was placed on record before it.

The fresh plea, moved by the original complainant on whose FIR the case had commenced and finally reached the apex court, has claimed that full text of the FIR which was originally in Marathi language was not made available to the top court "deliberately".

In its March 20 verdict, the apex court had allegedly diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Act relating to arrest and certain safeguards were put in place for lodging of FIR under the law.&nbsp

After the verdict, several states were rocked by violence and clashes on April 2 following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's order, which had claimed at least eight lives and injured hundreds.

The Centre and some states have also sought review of the judgement.&nbsp

The Centre had on April 12 told the apex court that its judgement has "diluted" the provisions of the law, resulting in "great damage" to the country, and steps may be taken to correct it.

The apex court, which has agreed to hear Centre's review petition, had earlier said it would not hear any plea filed by those who were not a party in the case.

In the fresh plea seeking recall of the verdict, the original complainant B K Gaikwad, has claimed that the petitioners before the apex court had filed a "truncated and forged FIR deliberately" and hence, committed a "fraud".

"The said forgery is in relation to the material fact, particulars namely being the allegation of mala fide which would have substantially affected the outcome of the said SLP (special leave petition)," the plea claimed.

"The full text of the FIR was not made available to this Court by the Respondent number one herein/petitioner with the mala fide intention to get the particular outcome of the case, thereby misleading this Court to quash the FIR registered against him," it alleged.

On April 3, the apex court had refused to keep in abeyance its verdict, saying those agitating against its order putting in place certain safeguards on arrests under the Act may not have read the judgement or could have been misled by "vested interests".

The top court had also asserted that "no provisions of SC/ST Act have been diluted" while clarifying that additional safeguards had been put in place "to protect the fundamental rights" of innocents.&nbsp

In its March 20 verdict, the apex court had allegedly diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Act relating to arrest and certain safeguards were put in place for lodging of FIR under the law.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking recall of its controversial verdict on the SC/ST Act alleging that the judgement was delivered on the basis of a "forged FIR" which was placed on record before it. The fresh plea, moved by the original complainant on whose FIR the case had commenced and finally reached the apex court, has claimed that full text of the FIR which was originally in Marathi language was not made available to the top court "deliberately". In its March 20 verdict, the apex court had allegedly diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Act relating to arrest and certain safeguards were put in place for lodging of FIR under the law. After the verdict, several states were rocked by violence and clashes on April 2 following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's order, which had claimed at least eight lives and injured hundreds. The Centre and some states have also sought review of the judgement. The Centre had on April 12 told the apex court that its judgement has "diluted" the provisions of the law, resulting in "great damage" to the country, and steps may be taken to correct it. The apex court, which has agreed to hear Centre's review petition, had earlier said it would not hear any plea filed by those who were not a party in the case. In the fresh plea seeking recall of the verdict, the original complainant B K Gaikwad, has claimed that the petitioners before the apex court had filed a "truncated and forged FIR deliberately" and hence, committed a "fraud". "The said forgery is in relation to the material fact, particulars namely being the allegation of mala fide which would have substantially affected the outcome of the said SLP (special leave petition)," the plea claimed. "The full text of the FIR was not made available to this Court by the Respondent number one herein/petitioner with the mala fide intention to get the particular outcome of the case, thereby misleading this Court to quash the FIR registered against him," it alleged. On April 3, the apex court had refused to keep in abeyance its verdict, saying those agitating against its order putting in place certain safeguards on arrests under the Act may not have read the judgement or could have been misled by "vested interests". The top court had also asserted that "no provisions of SC/ST Act have been diluted" while clarifying that additional safeguards had been put in place "to protect the fundamental rights" of innocents.

Fresh plea in SC for review of controversial SC/ST Act verdict

There is a need to overturn the Supreme Court order laying down fresh guidelines on arrest of those accused of committing atrocities against SC and ST communities, the government feels, and bringing an ordinance to restore the original provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is one of the options being considered.

Sources aware of deliberations within the government at different levels say promulgating an ordinance to restore the original provisions would help calm tempers.

Introducing a bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament slated for July to amend the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to overturn the SC order is the second option before the government, the sources said.

"If an ordinance is issued, it too will have to be converted into a bill and passed by Parliament. The result of the two exercises is the same -- to restore the original provisions. But the ordinance has the benefit of giving instant results. It will help calm tempers immediately," a senior functionary said.

Dalit groups had organised protests across the country on April 2 against the alleged dilution of the Act through the March 20 verdict of the Supreme Court. The protests had turned violent at several places which left several people dead. 
Opposition parties also accused the government of failing to protect Dalit rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted his government will not let the law to prevent atrocities on SCs and STs to be diluted.

"I want to assure the nation that the law which has been made stringent by us will not allowed to be affected (by the SC order)...," he had said.

But the sources said no decision has been taken so far and much would depend on the way the hearing on a review petition filed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the apex court progresses.

They said since review pleas may not bear immediate results and the SC decision could not be favourable, the government will have to firm up its stand on future course of action.

The apex court had laid down new guidelines for police officers on how to ensure that innocent people, especially public officials, are protected from false complaints under the act.

In a written submission filed before the top court on Friday, the Centre said the verdict on the SC/ST Act has "diluted" its stringent provisions, resulting in "great damage" to the country by causing anger and a sense of disharmony among the people.

Observing that the court had dealt with an issue of a "very sensitive nature", the submission said the verdict has caused "commotion, anger, unease and a sense of disharmony" in the country.

It dubbed the entire judgement as "vitiated" as it proceeded on the basis that the top court can legislate a law despite having no such power.

The stand of the government came a week after the apex court refused to keep in abeyance its verdict, saying those agitating against its order putting in place certain safeguards on arrests under the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, may not have read the judgement or could have been misled by "vested interests".

&nbsp;

Introducing a bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament slated for July to amend the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to overturn the SC order is the second option before the government, the sources said

There is a need to overturn the Supreme Court order laying down fresh guidelines on arrest of those accused of committing atrocities against SC and ST communities, the government feels, and bringing an ordinance to restore the original provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is one of the options being considered. Sources aware of deliberations within the government at different levels say promulgating an ordinance to restore the original provisions would help calm tempers. Introducing a bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament slated for July to amend the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to overturn the SC order is the second option before the government, the sources said. "If an ordinance is issued, it too will have to be converted into a bill and passed by Parliament. The result of the two exercises is the same -- to restore the original provisions. But the ordinance has the benefit of giving instant results. It will help calm tempers immediately," a senior functionary said. Dalit groups had organised protests across the country on April 2 against the alleged dilution of the Act through the March 20 verdict of the Supreme Court. The protests had turned violent at several places which left several people dead. Opposition parties also accused the government of failing to protect Dalit rights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted his government will not let the law to prevent atrocities on SCs and STs to be diluted. "I want to assure the nation that the law which has been made stringent by us will not allowed to be affected (by the SC order)...," he had said. But the sources said no decision has been taken so far and much would depend on the way the hearing on a review petition filed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the apex court progresses. They said since review pleas may not bear immediate results and the SC decision could not be favourable, the government will have to firm up its stand on future course of action. The apex court had laid down new guidelines for police officers on how to ensure that innocent people, especially public officials, are protected from false complaints under the act. In a written submission filed before the top court on Friday, the Centre said the verdict on the SC/ST Act has "diluted" its stringent provisions, resulting in "great damage" to the country by causing anger and a sense of disharmony among the people. Observing that the court had dealt with an issue of a "very sensitive nature", the submission said the verdict has caused "commotion, anger, unease and a sense of disharmony" in the country. It dubbed the entire judgement as "vitiated" as it proceeded on the basis that the top court can legislate a law despite having no such power. The stand of the government came a week after the apex court refused to keep in abeyance its verdict, saying those agitating against its order putting in place certain safeguards on arrests under the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, may not have read the judgement or could have been misled by "vested interests".

SC/ST order: Centre considering various options, including ordinance

As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began&nbsp;observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout"&nbsp;during the Budget session.

In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall.

''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been&nbsp;observing&nbsp;a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram.

Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka.

The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".

On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP".

Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru as well are observing a fast in over the parliament disruptions during the budget session

As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout" during the Budget session. In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall. ''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said. BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been observing a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram. Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka. The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP". Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru, Maharashtra & Delhi observe fast along with Modi

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the preparations for the upcoming legislative council polls in the state and meet the party's 'sulking' alliance partners.

The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls.

The elections to the 13 seats will be held on April 26 with the ruling BJP being certain of winning at least 11 seats, going by its brute majority in the state legislative assembly.

Shah began his tour by garlanding the statue of Jyotibha Phule, sending a message that the saffron party did not want to keep the Dalits at an arms distance at a time when the Lok Sabha polls were barely a few months away.

"With party MPs Savitribai Phoole, Ashok Dohrey, Chhotelal, Yashwant Singh virtually raising a banner of revolt against Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, Shah had a long discussion with the chief minister at the latter's 5 Kalidas Marg residence to assuage their hurt sentiments. The parliamentarians had written about their discontent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a senior party leader said.

UP deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and state BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present during the discussion, he said.

The party leader said the Lok Sabha bypoll debacle of Gorakhpur and Phulpur also figured in the meeting.

The outburst of the four parliamentarians and another BJP MP Udit Raj came at a time when the country witnessed a public outcry against the Supreme Court's order on the SC/ST Act, which the Dalit leaders said was an attempt to "dilute" the law.

After facing strident criticism from the Opposition on Dalit issues, the BJP is also grappling with a rising voice of discontent among its own MPs belonging to the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh.

Lok Sabha members from Etawah and Nagina, Ashok Kumar Dohrey and Yashwant Singh respectively, are the latest to join their Dalit colleagues from the party to criticise the UP government.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dohrey had alleged that the Dalits and tribals across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, were being framed by the police in false cases after the protests, leading to growing insecurity among them.

Yashwant Singh, meanwhile, had reportedly said that nothing had been done for Dalits in the last four years.

Party insiders also said that the BJP's sulking ally, SBSP leader O P Rajbhar, who is also a cabinet minister, presented his case before Shah.

Rajbhar told PTI, "I raised the issue of quota within quota for the most backward classes. Apart from this, discrepancies pertaining to ration cards, housing, toilets, pensions and scholarship were also discussed.

Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has four MLAs in the state assembly. He had threatened to boycott last month's Rajya Sabha biennial election.

Apna Dal (Sonelal) leader Ashish Patel also met the BJP president.

"The meeting with the BJP chief was held in a very cordial atmosphere. We spoke for adequate representation of Dalits and backward classes at police stations and Tehsil offices, and we were told that our demands will be looked into," he said.

The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the preparations for the upcoming legislative council polls in the state and meet the party's 'sulking' alliance partners. The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls. The elections to the 13 seats will be held on April 26 with the ruling BJP being certain of winning at least 11 seats, going by its brute majority in the state legislative assembly. Shah began his tour by garlanding the statue of Jyotibha Phule, sending a message that the saffron party did not want to keep the Dalits at an arms distance at a time when the Lok Sabha polls were barely a few months away. "With party MPs Savitribai Phoole, Ashok Dohrey, Chhotelal, Yashwant Singh virtually raising a banner of revolt against Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, Shah had a long discussion with the chief minister at the latter's 5 Kalidas Marg residence to assuage their hurt sentiments. The parliamentarians had written about their discontent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a senior party leader said. UP deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and state BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present during the discussion, he said. The party leader said the Lok Sabha bypoll debacle of Gorakhpur and Phulpur also figured in the meeting. The outburst of the four parliamentarians and another BJP MP Udit Raj came at a time when the country witnessed a public outcry against the Supreme Court's order on the SC/ST Act, which the Dalit leaders said was an attempt to "dilute" the law. After facing strident criticism from the Opposition on Dalit issues, the BJP is also grappling with a rising voice of discontent among its own MPs belonging to the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh. Lok Sabha members from Etawah and Nagina, Ashok Kumar Dohrey and Yashwant Singh respectively, are the latest to join their Dalit colleagues from the party to criticise the UP government. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dohrey had alleged that the Dalits and tribals across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, were being framed by the police in false cases after the protests, leading to growing insecurity among them. Yashwant Singh, meanwhile, had reportedly said that nothing had been done for Dalits in the last four years. Party insiders also said that the BJP's sulking ally, SBSP leader O P Rajbhar, who is also a cabinet minister, presented his case before Shah. Rajbhar told PTI, "I raised the issue of quota within quota for the most backward classes. Apart from this, discrepancies pertaining to ration cards, housing, toilets, pensions and scholarship were also discussed. Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has four MLAs in the state assembly. He had threatened to boycott last month's Rajya Sabha biennial election. Apna Dal (Sonelal) leader Ashish Patel also met the BJP president. "The meeting with the BJP chief was held in a very cordial atmosphere. We spoke for adequate representation of Dalits and backward classes at police stations and Tehsil offices, and we were told that our demands will be looked into," he said.

Uttar Pradesh: Amit Shah meets BJP's 'sulking' alliance partners

The government told the Supreme Court that verdict on SC/ST Act dealt with very sensitive issue causing anger, unease and sense of disharmony in the country.

"There is separation of powers between legislature, executive and judiciary and it is inviolable," the government told the top court.

The verdict, instead of filling gaps in the SC/ST Act, resorted to "judicial legislation", the&nbsp;Centre told the Supreme Court.

&nbsp;India's Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi filed written submission over the issue in India's highest court.

"It is submitted that the confusion created by this judgment may have to be corrected by reviewing the judgment and recalling the directions issued by this Honorable Court," the Centre told the Supreme Court.

"Bland statement that 'power to declare law carries with it, within the limits of duty, to make law when none exists' is wholly fallacious because we live under a written Constitution of which separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary is the very basic structure and is inviolable," the government said.

Last month, the Supreme Court had said banning immediate arrest of a person accused of insulting or injuring a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe member was meant to protect innocents from arbitrary arrest and not an affront to Dalit rights.

"An innocent should not be punished. There should not be terror in society... We do not want any member of the SC/ST to be deprived of his rights. We only want an innocent not to be punished,” Justice Goel had said.

Justice Goel said the verdict had "fortified" the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.

The judgement has done great damage to the country, the government told the court.

The judgement had directed authorities to conduct a "preliminary enquiry" and to file an FIR only after a Deputy Superintendent of Police verifies the report.

The Centre's submission came in the backdrop of several states being rocked by violence and clashes on April 2 following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's March 20 order, which claimed at least eight lives and injured hundreds.

India's Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi filed written submission over the issue in India's top court.

The government told the Supreme Court that verdict on SC/ST Act dealt with very sensitive issue causing anger, unease and sense of disharmony in the country. "There is separation of powers between legislature, executive and judiciary and it is inviolable," the government told the top court. The verdict, instead of filling gaps in the SC/ST Act, resorted to "judicial legislation", the Centre told the Supreme Court. India's Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi filed written submission over the issue in India's highest court. "It is submitted that the confusion created by this judgment may have to be corrected by reviewing the judgment and recalling the directions issued by this Honorable Court," the Centre told the Supreme Court. "Bland statement that 'power to declare law carries with it, within the limits of duty, to make law when none exists' is wholly fallacious because we live under a written Constitution of which separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary is the very basic structure and is inviolable," the government said. Last month, the Supreme Court had said banning immediate arrest of a person accused of insulting or injuring a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe member was meant to protect innocents from arbitrary arrest and not an affront to Dalit rights. "An innocent should not be punished. There should not be terror in society... We do not want any member of the SC/ST to be deprived of his rights. We only want an innocent not to be punished,” Justice Goel had said. Justice Goel said the verdict had "fortified" the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989. The judgement has done great damage to the country, the government told the court. The judgement had directed authorities to conduct a "preliminary enquiry" and to file an FIR only after a Deputy Superintendent of Police verifies the report. The Centre's submission came in the backdrop of several states being rocked by violence and clashes on April 2 following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's March 20 order, which claimed at least eight lives and injured hundreds.

SC/SC Act verdict instead of filling gaps resorted to 'judicial legislation': Centre to Supreme Court

Dalit organisations staging fresh protests and called for a strike in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday over alleged&nbsp;dilusion of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;

The strike call&nbsp;was called by 30 Dalit organisations, reports said. It was also reported that the protestors blocked vehicles and shutdown shops, Dalit activists are laying siege on road at Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Police arrested Dalit activist and Aadivasi Gothra Mahasabha leader Geethanandan and held 15 others as well for allegedly blocking vehicles at Kochi.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scheduled-caste-and-scheduled-tribe-act-why-the-dalits-are-protesting-127874">Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act: Why the Dalits are protesting</a>

Police have beefed up security across the state with reports of violence expected as&nbsp;a result of the strike-call. Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti refused to support the strike&nbsp;and announced shops will be open on Monday, reports said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Members of Dalit community organisations stage protest in Thiruvananthapuram over SC/ST Act issue. <a href="https://t.co/WstiaLqCmA">pic.twitter.com/WstiaLqCmA</a>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-dalit-community-being-tortured-during-bharat-bandh-bjp-lawmaker-udit-raj-129068">Dalit community being 'tortured' after Bharat Bandh: BJP lawmaker Udit Raj</a>

As the Dalit agitation continued on Sunday, Congress leader Nitin Raut said Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line.

Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community.

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-reaches-out-to-dalit-community-says-no-one-respected-ambedkar-the-way-our-govt-has-128296">Narendra Modi </a>on April 4 had said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had.

Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs.

The violence swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act.

Dalits have been protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

Dalit organisations staging fresh protests and called for a strike in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday over alleged dilusion of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The strike call was called by 30 Dalit organisations, reports said. It was also reported that the protestors blocked vehicles and shutdown shops, Dalit activists are laying siege on road at Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, Police arrested Dalit activist and Aadivasi Gothra Mahasabha leader Geethanandan and held 15 others as well for allegedly blocking vehicles at Kochi. Also read: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act: Why the Dalits are protesting Police have beefed up security across the state with reports of violence expected as a result of the strike-call. Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti refused to support the strike and announced shops will be open on Monday, reports said. #Kerala: Members of Dalit community organisations stage protest in Thiruvananthapuram over SC/ST Act issue. pic.twitter.com/WstiaLqCmA — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × Also read: Dalit community being 'tortured' after Bharat Bandh: BJP lawmaker Udit Raj As the Dalit agitation continued on Sunday, Congress leader Nitin Raut said Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line. Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4 had said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had. Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs. The violence swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act.

SC/ST Act: Dalit organisations call for shutdown in Kerala

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday hailed the Bharat bandh protest that swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST, saying that the protests were successful.&nbsp;

Mayawati also claimed that the protests has "left the BJP scared&nbsp;and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards Dalits." She said that she "trusted that the Dalit community will not forgive the&nbsp;selfish and corrupt people of the BJP Dalit MP's."

Around 400 Dalits were arrested during the violence that erupted during the protests against a proposed review of the SC/ST Act after which&nbsp;Mayawati&nbsp;warned the government against harassment of Dalits in the garb of maintaining law and order.

Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards dalits. Many dalits and members of their families are being arrested : BSP Chief Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/WHRIWnjUIQ">pic.twitter.com/WHRIWnjUIQ</a>
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Mujhe bharosa hai ki desh ke swabhimaani dalit samaaj ke log swaarthi aur bekau maansikta wale sansadon (BJP dalit MPs) ko maaf karne wale nahi hain: BSP Chief Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/8rUZysxUvK">pic.twitter.com/8rUZysxUvK</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/982852694397382656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Moreover,&nbsp;BJP parliamentarian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-dalit-community-being-tortured-during-bharat-bandh-bjp-lawmaker-udit-raj-129068">Udit Raj </a>on Saturday alleged that members of the Dalit community are "tortured" in various parts of the country after violence broke out during the 'Bharat Bandh' earlier this week.

Raj said on Sunday that "on April 2, Dalit agitation was held at a massive scale. The point of worry is that after the agitation those who were part of the agitation are being targeted and false cases are being slapped on them and also being beaten, this is a cause of concern."

He further appealed "to Party and government that they must look into this immediately. I am not one of those Dalit leaders and party members who'll keep quiet in my own interest, not telling the Party at right time would have been a selfish act. Two-and-a-half years ago I said that Dalits are getting angry."&nbsp;

The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to put a stop to frivolous allegations, but the Dalits view the move as a watering down of the act. India's Dalit community still faces massive discrimination and violence at the hands of India's upper caste and OBC communities.

​​​​​​

&nbsp;

Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday hailed the Bharat bandh protest that swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST, saying that the protests were successful. Mayawati also claimed that the protests has "left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards Dalits." She said that she "trusted that the Dalit community will not forgive the selfish and corrupt people of the BJP Dalit MP's." Around 400 Dalits were arrested during the violence that erupted during the protests against a proposed review of the SC/ST Act after which Mayawati warned the government against harassment of Dalits in the garb of maintaining law and order. Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. #BharatBandh protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards dalits. Many dalits and members of their families are being arrested : BSP Chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/WHRIWnjUIQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 8, 2018 × Mujhe bharosa hai ki desh ke swabhimaani dalit samaaj ke log swaarthi aur bekau maansikta wale sansadon (BJP dalit MPs) ko maaf karne wale nahi hain: BSP Chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/8rUZysxUvK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 8, 2018 × Moreover, BJP parliamentarian Udit Raj on Saturday alleged that members of the Dalit community are "tortured" in various parts of the country after violence broke out during the 'Bharat Bandh' earlier this week. Raj said on Sunday that "on April 2, Dalit agitation was held at a massive scale. The point of worry is that after the agitation those who were part of the agitation are being targeted and false cases are being slapped on them and also being beaten, this is a cause of concern." He further appealed "to Party and government that they must look into this immediately. I am not one of those Dalit leaders and party members who'll keep quiet in my own interest, not telling the Party at right time would have been a selfish act. Two-and-a-half years ago I said that Dalits are getting angry." The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to put a stop to frivolous allegations, but the Dalits view the move as a watering down of the act. India's Dalit community still faces massive discrimination and violence at the hands of India's upper caste and OBC communities.

Bharat Bandh protests have left BJP scared: BSP supremo Mayawati

No power can abolish the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan said on Sunday. In the past, the Dalit community had tolerated atrocities without protest, but youths today are conscious and aware of their rights, he said while addressing a meeting of the district presidents and state office-bearers of the LJP and Dalit Sena in Patna.

“The SC/ST Act will continue. It is intact and will remain so. People need not worry as no power can abolish the Act,” the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution asserted.

The recent Supreme Court judgment “weakens” the provisions of the SC/SC Act and the youth anger over the matter is “natural”, Paswan said. The apex court’s judgment on March 20 sought to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

A non-public servant can be arrested after approval by a senior superintendent of police, the court had ruled. The judgment led to widespread protests and outcry across the country, following which the central government moved a review plea on April 3.

The court, however, asserted that “no provisions of the SC/ST Act have been diluted” and refused to keep the verdict in abeyance. Paswan said that a unanimous resolution, calling for a probe to protect innocent people from implications under the Act, had been passed in 2014 by the standing committee of Social Justice Department of the Union government.

Talking about reservations for Dalits and SC/STs in academic institutes and government offices, Paswan said it is their “legal right”.

“Reservation is not something that is given to them as alms. I would continue to bat for the quota system in the judiciary and private sector,” the minister told reporters after the meeting.

Asked about liquor prohibition and its effects on people, the minister said that poor and the Dalits have benefitted the most from the ban.

In reply to a query over the possibility of the LJP, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP forming separate groups of their own, Paswan said the NDA was intact in Bihar. “There is no need to form any separate group,” he asserted.

The apex court's judgment on March 20 sought to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

No power can abolish the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan said on Sunday. In the past, the Dalit community had tolerated atrocities without protest, but youths today are conscious and aware of their rights, he said while addressing a meeting of the district presidents and state office-bearers of the LJP and Dalit Sena in Patna. “The SC/ST Act will continue. It is intact and will remain so. People need not worry as no power can abolish the Act,” the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution asserted. The recent Supreme Court judgment “weakens” the provisions of the SC/SC Act and the youth anger over the matter is “natural”, Paswan said. The apex court’s judgment on March 20 sought to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A non-public servant can be arrested after approval by a senior superintendent of police, the court had ruled. The judgment led to widespread protests and outcry across the country, following which the central government moved a review plea on April 3. The court, however, asserted that “no provisions of the SC/ST Act have been diluted” and refused to keep the verdict in abeyance. Paswan said that a unanimous resolution, calling for a probe to protect innocent people from implications under the Act, had been passed in 2014 by the standing committee of Social Justice Department of the Union government. Talking about reservations for Dalits and SC/STs in academic institutes and government offices, Paswan said it is their “legal right”. “Reservation is not something that is given to them as alms. I would continue to bat for the quota system in the judiciary and private sector,” the minister told reporters after the meeting. Asked about liquor prohibition and its effects on people, the minister said that poor and the Dalits have benefitted the most from the ban. In reply to a query over the possibility of the LJP, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP forming separate groups of their own, Paswan said the NDA was intact in Bihar. “There is no need to form any separate group,” he asserted.

SC/ST Act to remain intact, no one can abolish it: Ram Vilas Paswan

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned till 2 pm without transacting any legislative business after the Congress-led opposition created an uproar over various issues including softening of provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy".

No sooner had 12 new members taken an oath of office that opposition members trooped into the well of the House displaying placards in support of their demand and shouting slogans.

While MPs belonging to the Congress and the BSP were protesting against softening of certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Tamil parties - DMK and AIADMK demanded immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for the division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

"Narendra Modi - Dalit Virodhi" (Narendra Modi is anti- Dalit), shouted Congress and BSP members. They also shouted, "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" (This anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated).

TDP MPs raised 'Save Andhra" slogans.

Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session.

He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill.

"You want these kinds of ugly scenes to be seen every day by people," he said referring to slogan shouting and placards trying to block his view.

"What is the difference between people shouting slogans outside and here," he asked. "You have not transacted any business including important legislations. People want legislations."

He said a handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda. 
Naidu said any issue be it banking scam, Cauvery waters, Andhra special package, Dalit act or Kashmir issue can be discussed.

Its unfortunate that debate on these issues is not happening despite the Chair permitting it and the government willing to discuss it, he said.

"You are testing the patience of the people. This is not good for democracy. This is murdering democracy," he said. "Entire country is agitated, depressed."

"Have some discussion and allow some bills to be passed," he requested an unrelenting opposition.

He noted that just two days were left before the session ends on Friday and it was imperative that some legislative business was transacted today and tomorrow.

With the slogan-shouting continuing, he adjourned proceedings till 2 pm.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy"

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned till 2 pm without transacting any legislative business after the Congress-led opposition created an uproar over various issues including softening of provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy". No sooner had 12 new members taken an oath of office that opposition members trooped into the well of the House displaying placards in support of their demand and shouting slogans. While MPs belonging to the Congress and the BSP were protesting against softening of certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Tamil parties - DMK and AIADMK demanded immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for the division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. "Narendra Modi - Dalit Virodhi" (Narendra Modi is anti- Dalit), shouted Congress and BSP members. They also shouted, "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" (This anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated). TDP MPs raised 'Save Andhra" slogans. Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session. He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill. "You want these kinds of ugly scenes to be seen every day by people," he said referring to slogan shouting and placards trying to block his view. "What is the difference between people shouting slogans outside and here," he asked. "You have not transacted any business including important legislations. People want legislations." He said a handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda. Naidu said any issue be it banking scam, Cauvery waters, Andhra special package, Dalit act or Kashmir issue can be discussed. Its unfortunate that debate on these issues is not happening despite the Chair permitting it and the government willing to discuss it, he said. "You are testing the patience of the people. This is not good for democracy. This is murdering democracy," he said. "Entire country is agitated, depressed." "Have some discussion and allow some bills to be passed," he requested an unrelenting opposition. He noted that just two days were left before the session ends on Friday and it was imperative that some legislative business was transacted today and tomorrow. With the slogan-shouting continuing, he adjourned proceedings till 2 pm.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm following uproar

In a caustic attack on the Centre, the Shiv Sena Wednesday said the violence during a nationwide bandh by Dalits to protest the softening of provisions of the SC/ST Act is a reflection of a "weak" and "selfish leadership".

It also raked up the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, saying that while diamond jeweller Nirav Modi "looted" the nation, the present government was "breaking" the country.

It said coming out on the streets against an order of the apex court was akin to going against the ideology of Dr B R Ambedkar - the architect of the Indian Constitution.

"Incidents of violence happen when the leadership is weak and selfish," the Sena said in a hard-hitting editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"The country had once been divided in the name of religion. If it is once again being broken apart in the name of caste, where is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and what is he doing?" it asked.

At least 11 people died and several others were injured in the 'Bharat bandh' called on Monday by Dalit outfits to protest the softening of certain provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

On BJP's allegation that the Congress was "fuelling tension" in society with an eye on polls, the Sena said if some are claiming that Dalits have been misled into coming out on the streets to protest, it would also hold true for riots in Asansol (West Bengal), where a party is allegedly fanning the unrest for its political gains.

The Asansol-Raniganj belt had witnessed clashes between two groups over Ram Navami celebrations, resulting in the death of one person. Two police officers were also injured in the clashes.

"Creating a social divide and fanning riots for the sake of votes is political corruption. Nirav Modi looted the nation, however, the present dispensation is breaking the nation," the Sena said, lashing out at the ruling NDA.

It wondered what was wrong with the Supreme Court ruling that there should be an investigation before an arrest so that the Act was not misused.

"The SC has no intentions to dilute the Atrocities Act but just wants to ensure it is not misused. There is nothing wrong in that," it said.

"Coming out on the streets against the SC order is like going against the ideology of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," the Sena opined.

It said 25 years back, there was a massive unrest in Ayodhya and today, when the 'Modi-Shah government' is in power, it did not take any decision on the Ram temple, except pushing the issue to the Supreme Court.

"The country's politics is at a dangerous stage now. If attempts are made to not let the courts work independently, then we are facing much more difficult times," it cautioned.

The Centre has again knocked the doors of the SC with a review petition. This is not the sign of a strong leadership, it said.

If PM Modi is famous among the masses, he should have made attempts to stop Dalits from indulging in violence, said the Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru did not care about their lives and went amongst rioters and even heard abuses, it noted.

"Even the current prime minister and his ministers should have done this. Filing a review petition is like running away from the situation and insulting Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," the Sena opined.&nbsp

"Incidents of violence happen when the leadership is weak and selfish," the Sena said in a hard-hitting editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

In a caustic attack on the Centre, the Shiv Sena Wednesday said the violence during a nationwide bandh by Dalits to protest the softening of provisions of the SC/ST Act is a reflection of a "weak" and "selfish leadership". It also raked up the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, saying that while diamond jeweller Nirav Modi "looted" the nation, the present government was "breaking" the country. It said coming out on the streets against an order of the apex court was akin to going against the ideology of Dr B R Ambedkar - the architect of the Indian Constitution. "Incidents of violence happen when the leadership is weak and selfish," the Sena said in a hard-hitting editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "The country had once been divided in the name of religion. If it is once again being broken apart in the name of caste, where is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and what is he doing?" it asked. At least 11 people died and several others were injured in the 'Bharat bandh' called on Monday by Dalit outfits to protest the softening of certain provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. On BJP's allegation that the Congress was "fuelling tension" in society with an eye on polls, the Sena said if some are claiming that Dalits have been misled into coming out on the streets to protest, it would also hold true for riots in Asansol (West Bengal), where a party is allegedly fanning the unrest for its political gains. The Asansol-Raniganj belt had witnessed clashes between two groups over Ram Navami celebrations, resulting in the death of one person. Two police officers were also injured in the clashes. "Creating a social divide and fanning riots for the sake of votes is political corruption. Nirav Modi looted the nation, however, the present dispensation is breaking the nation," the Sena said, lashing out at the ruling NDA. It wondered what was wrong with the Supreme Court ruling that there should be an investigation before an arrest so that the Act was not misused. "The SC has no intentions to dilute the Atrocities Act but just wants to ensure it is not misused. There is nothing wrong in that," it said. "Coming out on the streets against the SC order is like going against the ideology of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," the Sena opined. It said 25 years back, there was a massive unrest in Ayodhya and today, when the 'Modi-Shah government' is in power, it did not take any decision on the Ram temple, except pushing the issue to the Supreme Court. "The country's politics is at a dangerous stage now. If attempts are made to not let the courts work independently, then we are facing much more difficult times," it cautioned. The Centre has again knocked the doors of the SC with a review petition. This is not the sign of a strong leadership, it said. If PM Modi is famous among the masses, he should have made attempts to stop Dalits from indulging in violence, said the Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru did not care about their lives and went amongst rioters and even heard abuses, it noted. "Even the current prime minister and his ministers should have done this. Filing a review petition is like running away from the situation and insulting Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," the Sena opined.

Dalit violence a sign of weak and selfish leadership: Sena

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh.&nbsp;

Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab.

The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property.

Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests.&nbsp;

The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus.&nbsp;

While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places.

In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there.

In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> over SC/ST protection act:Shots fired during protests in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior <a href="https://t.co/p8mW36qL0s">pic.twitter.com/p8mW36qL0s</a>
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict.

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The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so.
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Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers. 
As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there."

Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated.

A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added.

The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'.

In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad.

Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said.

In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains.

Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades.

Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, two in UP, and one in Rajasthan

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh. Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan. The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab. The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property. Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests. The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus. While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places. In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there. In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar. #WATCH #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act:Shots fired during protests in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior pic.twitter.com/p8mW36qL0s — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Police lathicharges protesters in #Haryana's Yamunanagar. pic.twitter.com/a6mWooQbOX — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Bus vandalized & set ablaze during protest in Azamgarh. pic.twitter.com/smRy8IdG9w — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Visuals of vehicles set ablaze during protest in Muzaffarnagar. pic.twitter.com/r5FsdkfD3M — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict. The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 2, 2018 × Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers. As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there." Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated. A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added. The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'. In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad. Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said. In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains. Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades. Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators. (With inputs from PTI)

Bharat Bandh protests: As violence sweeps across India, death toll rises to 9

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-do-a-silicon-valley-in-5-years-but-innovation-ecosystem-needs-a-boost-world-bank-128109">India can do a Silicon Valley in 5 years but innovation ecosystem needs a boost: World Bank</a>

India has the potential to innovate on the lines of Silicon Valley but it needs to do more for expanding the innovation ecosystem as it aspires to become a middle-income country, World Bank India head Junaid Kamal Ahmad said today.'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">SC/ST Act: We are not against it, says Supreme Court but refuses to cancel </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">earlier</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083"> order</a>

The Supreme Court has said that it is not against the SC/ST Act and doesn't want the innocent to be punished. The court made these observations while hearing Attorney General K K Venugopal's submission during the hearing of Centre's petition of SC/ST Act.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-passes-resolution-for-1-parallel-reservation-for-orphans-128118">Maharashtra government passes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-passes-resolution-for-1-parallel-reservation-for-orphans-128118">resolution</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-passes-resolution-for-1-parallel-reservation-for-orphans-128118"> for 1% parallel reservation for orphans</a>

&nbsp;In one of&nbsp;the first ever reservation for orphans in government jobs in the country, Maharashtra government has issued a resolution of 1 per cent parallel reservation for orphans in the open category for education and jobs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/boat-carrying-rohingya-refugees-intercepted-in-malaysia--128087">Boat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/boat-carrying-rohingya-refugees-intercepted-in-malaysia--128087"> carrying Rohingya refugees intercepted in Malaysia </a>

Malaysia intercepted a boat carrying 56 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar off its northern island of Langkawi on Tuesday and will allow them to enter on humanitarian grounds, with rights groups expecting further such perilous journeys by sea.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-case-should-be-settled-privately-trump-lawyer-128115">Stormy Daniels' case should be settled privately: Trump lawyer</a>

United States President Donald Trump and his attorney Michael Cohen have filed court papers on Monday asking a federal judge to demand porn star Stormy Daniels to raise her disputes through private arbitration.

India can do a Silicon Valley in 5 years but innovation ecosystem needs a boost: World Bank India has the potential to innovate on the lines of Silicon Valley but it needs to do more for expanding the innovation ecosystem as it aspires to become a middle-income country, World Bank India head Junaid Kamal Ahmad said today.' SC/ST Act: We are not against it, says Supreme Court but refuses to cancel earlier order The Supreme Court has said that it is not against the SC/ST Act and doesn't want the innocent to be punished. The court made these observations while hearing Attorney General K K Venugopal's submission during the hearing of Centre's petition of SC/ST Act. Maharashtra government passes resolution for 1% parallel reservation for orphans In one of the first ever reservation for orphans in government jobs in the country, Maharashtra government has issued a resolution of 1 per cent parallel reservation for orphans in the open category for education and jobs. Boat carrying Rohingya refugees intercepted in Malaysia Malaysia intercepted a boat carrying 56 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar off its northern island of Langkawi on Tuesday and will allow them to enter on humanitarian grounds, with rights groups expecting further such perilous journeys by sea. Stormy Daniels' case should be settled privately: Trump lawyer United States President Donald Trump and his attorney Michael Cohen have filed court papers on Monday asking a federal judge to demand porn star Stormy Daniels to raise her disputes through private arbitration.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Following the death of a man due to the Bharat bandh protest on Monday, case has been registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh.

The case has been registered against the policemen in connection with the death of Mahavir Rajawat in Bhind.

&nbsp;Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh: Case registered against two policemen in connection with the death of a man Mahavir Rajawat during yesterday's protests in Bhind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SC_ST_Act?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SC_ST_Act</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981124940199006211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the chairman of the SC/ST National Commission has said that action will be taken against culprits involved in the violence&nbsp;and death in the protest.

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There has been violence & people have died. Those responsible are people who've been rejected by Dalits, whether it is Cong or BSP. We will do an inquiry & give report to govt. Action will be taken against culprits: RS Katheria, Chairman, SC/ST National Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> <a href="https://t.co/H4OA0cgodT">pic.twitter.com/H4OA0cgodT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981101295892283392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh.&nbsp;

In its hearing on Tuesday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">Supreme Court said that it was not against the SC/ST Act</a> and does not want the innocent to be punished.

The court's hearing came in response to the Centre's petition.

Supreme Court asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission which will be heard after 10 days.

Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters

Following the death of a man due to the Bharat bandh protest on Monday, case has been registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh. The case has been registered against the policemen in connection with the death of Mahavir Rajawat in Bhind. Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh: Case registered against two policemen in connection with the death of a man Mahavir Rajawat during yesterday's protests in Bhind #SC_ST_Act — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × Meanwhile, the chairman of the SC/ST National Commission has said that action will be taken against culprits involved in the violence and death in the protest. There has been violence & people have died. Those responsible are people who've been rejected by Dalits, whether it is Cong or BSP. We will do an inquiry & give report to govt. Action will be taken against culprits: RS Katheria, Chairman, SC/ST National Commission #BharatBandh pic.twitter.com/H4OA0cgodT — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh. In its hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court said that it was not against the SC/ST Act and does not want the innocent to be punished. The court's hearing came in response to the Centre's petition. Supreme Court asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission which will be heard after 10 days.

Bharat Bandh protest: Case registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan questioned the all-India bandh against the Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Act yesterday. The minister reasoned that there was no point in observing the bandh when the central government is going to file a review petition anyway.

"What is the point of organising a Bharat Bandh? The government is positively going to file the review petition," Paswan noted.

Dalit organisations called for a nationwide Bandh today protesting the Supreme Court's ruling on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

The apex court, in its recent order, had introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the Act, declaring that no automatic arrest will be made on any complaint filed under the law.

The Centre will file a review petition in the Supreme Court today challenging the ruling.&nbsp

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

Dalit organisations have called for a nationwide Bandh today protesting the Supreme Court's ruling on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan questioned the all-India bandh against the Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Act yesterday. The minister reasoned that there was no point in observing the bandh when the central government is going to file a review petition anyway. "What is the point of organising a Bharat Bandh? The government is positively going to file the review petition," Paswan noted. Dalit organisations called for a nationwide Bandh today protesting the Supreme Court's ruling on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The apex court, in its recent order, had introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the Act, declaring that no automatic arrest will be made on any complaint filed under the law. The Centre will file a review petition in the Supreme Court today challenging the ruling. (With inputs from agencies)

No point of Bharat Bandh, Centre will file review petition: Ram Vilas Paswan

Speaking on the "Bharat bandh" protest organised by the Dalit&nbspoutfits, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has said that though she supports the protest against the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Act, she is against the violence spread by the people.

She said, "I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests".

She also added that strict action should be taken against those who were spreading violence during the protests.

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I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests: BSP Chief Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/SZ4xrvG13k">pic.twitter.com/SZ4xrvG13k</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/980755628535762946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Protest was staged across the northern part of the country by Dalit outfits against the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Act.

About four people have died and several others were injured in the protest in Madhya Pradesh.

The protests were the outcome of the Supreme Court's March 20 order that had diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.

The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.&nbsp

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She said, 'I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests'

Speaking on the "Bharat bandh" protest organised by the Dalit&nbspoutfits, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has said that though she supports the protest against the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Act, she is against the violence spread by the people. She said, "I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests". She also added that strict action should be taken against those who were spreading violence during the protests. I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests: BSP Chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/SZ4xrvG13k — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × Protest was staged across the northern part of the country by Dalit outfits against the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Act. About four people have died and several others were injured in the protest in Madhya Pradesh. The protests were the outcome of the Supreme Court's March 20 order that had diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act. The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

Support protests against court order on SC/ST Act, but not violence: Mayawati

The Central Board of Secondary Education&nbsp;exams (CBSE) for Class X and XII which were scheduled for April 2 has been postponed in Punjab.

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CBSE Board Examinations for Class X & XII scheduled for 2nd April 2018, postponed in Punjab due to call of Bharat Bandh <a href="https://t.co/6LlURBkUP6">pic.twitter.com/6LlURBkUP6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980500433826467846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The exams have been postponed due to the call for Bharat bandh against the recent amendment of SC/ST Act, announced by various Dalit organisations in Punjab.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-dalit-outfits-call-for-bandh-tomorrow-against-scst-act-amendment---127679">Dalit outfits call for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-dalit-outfits-call-for-bandh-tomorrow-against-scst-act-amendment---127679">bandh</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-dalit-outfits-call-for-bandh-tomorrow-against-scst-act-amendment---127679"> tomorrow against SC/ST Act amendment</a>

All educational institutions, banks will remain closed tomorrow due&nbsp;to the Bandh call.&nbsp;Transport services will also likely to be affected.

Army and paramilitary forces have been asked to stay on alert.

The Supreme Court on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act citing"several occasions" &nbsp;where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act.

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The exams have been postponed due to the call of Bharat bandh against the recent amendment of SC/ST Act announced by various Dalit organisations in Punjab

The Central Board of Secondary Education exams (CBSE) for Class X and XII which were scheduled for April 2 has been postponed in Punjab. CBSE Board Examinations for Class X & XII scheduled for 2nd April 2018, postponed in Punjab due to call of Bharat Bandh pic.twitter.com/6LlURBkUP6 — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × The exams have been postponed due to the call for Bharat bandh against the recent amendment of SC/ST Act, announced by various Dalit organisations in Punjab. Also read: Dalit outfits call for bandh tomorrow against SC/ST Act amendment All educational institutions, banks will remain closed tomorrow due to the Bandh call. Transport services will also likely to be affected. Army and paramilitary forces have been asked to stay on alert. The Supreme Court on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act citing"several occasions" where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act.

CBSE exam for Class X and XII postponed in Punjab due to bandh

A bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations on April 2 to protest against the amendments under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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Punjab Government suspends services of public transport tomorrow (April 2) due to bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980408074321252353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Punjab: All educational institutions to remain closed and mobile Internet services to be suspended in the state tomorrow in the wake of bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act.
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Punjab government announced that&nbsp;transport and mobile internet services will be suspended during the bandh.&nbsp;

All educational institutions will also remain closed, the government said.

Following the announcement, the Punjab police have also beefed up security arrangements.&nbsp;Heavy police have been deployed at parts that are considered sensitive in the state.

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Punjab Chief Secy Karan A Singh wrote to Secr Dept of Defence, GoI stating 'Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law & order' during bandh called by several Dalit organisations against amendment of SC/ST Act.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980414112403423232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)&nbsp;Act citing"several occasions" &nbsp;where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act.

The government on Friday decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Media reports said that the law ministry may approach the apex court soon after discussing the case with the Ministry of Social Justice.

All educational institutions will also remain closed during bandh

A bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations on April 2 to protest against the amendments under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Punjab Government suspends services of public transport tomorrow (April 2) due to bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act. — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × Punjab: All educational institutions to remain closed and mobile Internet services to be suspended in the state tomorrow in the wake of bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act. — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × Punjab government announced that transport and mobile internet services will be suspended during the bandh. All educational institutions will also remain closed, the government said. Following the announcement, the Punjab police have also beefed up security arrangements. Heavy police have been deployed at parts that are considered sensitive in the state. Punjab Chief Secy Karan A Singh wrote to Secr Dept of Defence, GoI stating 'Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law & order' during bandh called by several Dalit organisations against amendment of SC/ST Act. — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × The Supreme Court on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act citing"several occasions" where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act. The government on Friday decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Media reports said that the law ministry may approach the apex court soon after discussing the case with the Ministry of Social Justice.

Punjab: Dalit outfits call for bandh tomorrow against SC/ST Act amendment

The government has decided to review the apex court's ruling on the SC/ST Act.

The government will be filing a review petition&nbsp;against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Media reports said that the law&nbsp;ministry may approach the apex court soon after discussing the case with the Ministry of Social Justice.

The Supreme Court had on March 20,&nbsp;banned immediate and automatic arrest under the SC/ST Act citing"several occasions"&nbsp; where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act.

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Government has decided to file a review petition in Supreme Court over the recent ruling on SC/ST Act, tweets Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot <a href="https://t.co/1zyyhSmSRd">pic.twitter.com/1zyyhSmSRd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979633915861372929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The government will be filing a review petition against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The government has decided to review the apex court's ruling on the SC/ST Act. The government will be filing a review petition against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Media reports said that the law ministry may approach the apex court soon after discussing the case with the Ministry of Social Justice. The Supreme Court had on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the SC/ST Act citing"several occasions" where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act. Government has decided to file a review petition in Supreme Court over the recent ruling on SC/ST Act, tweets Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot pic.twitter.com/1zyyhSmSRd — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Government to review Supreme Court's ruling over SC/ST Act

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