SC/ST Act Sparks Fresh Political Storm After Alankar Agnihotri’s Call for Nationwide Protest

Varanasi:
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, has once again become the centre of a major political and social controversy following a provocative announcement by former Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri. Declaring the Act a “black law,” Agnihotri has announced the launch of a nationwide agitation if it is not withdrawn by February 6.

After meeting Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand at Kedargahat in Varanasi and seeking his blessings, Agnihotri stated that a countrywide protest would be launched on February 7, culminating in a march to Delhi. He claimed that nearly 85 per cent of the country’s population is adversely affected by the Act and alleged that 95 per cent of cases registered under it are false.

Agnihotri, who recently resigned from service citing objections to the UGC Act 2026 and related issues, has been suspended, and his resignation has not yet been accepted. He accused the Central government of harbouring divisive intentions and said the proposed UGC legislation had exposed its real agenda. “If Lok Sabha elections were held today, they would not win even a single seat,” he remarked.

Several organisations and social groups are expected to join the proposed movement, he added.

What Is the SC/ST Act?

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was enacted to prevent discrimination, violence, and social injustice against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The law criminalises caste-based humiliation, exploitation, social boycott, and violence, and provides for speedy justice to victims.

The Act mandates immediate police action, special courts for fast-track trials, and provisions for compensation, relief, and rehabilitation of victims. However, allegations of misuse of the law have surfaced repeatedly over the years, fuelling debate across political and social platforms.

Key Provisions of the SC/ST Act

• The Act lists 22 categories of atrocities, including caste-based abuse, forced labour, sexual offences, illegal dispossession of property, and denial of rights.
• FIRs under the Act require immediate registration, and accused persons can be arrested without delay.
• Special courts are established at the district level to ensure swift disposal of cases.
• Victim protection is prioritised to prevent intimidation or coercion.

Important Sections of the Law

• Section 2 defines terms such as “atrocity,” “public servant,” “Scheduled Caste,” and “Scheduled Tribe.”
• Section 3 outlines offences and punishments for caste-based abuse, humiliation, and physical harm.
• Section 4 penalises public servants for neglect of duty under the Act.
• Section 15 provides for the establishment of Special Courts.
• Section 18 bars anticipatory bail in cases registered under the Act.
• Section 19 prohibits the release of convicts on probation.
• Section 21 ensures relief, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims.

Supreme Court on Intent

The Supreme Court has clarified that merely mentioning a person’s caste or speaking privately does not constitute an offence unless there is a proven intent to humiliate or insult on the basis of caste. The law also provides strict punishment for filing false cases, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, along with recovery of compensation paid to the complainant.

Despite these safeguards, Agnihotri maintains that large-scale misuse of the Act continues, reigniting a long-standing and sensitive national debate.