SC/ST Prevention Of Atrocities Act, 1989
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Act No. 33 of 1989) is a Central Act enacted to prevent atrocities and discriminatory offences against members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), and to provide for Special Courts, protection of victims and witnesses, and relief and rehabilitation of victims. The Act was enacted on 11 September 1989 and came into force on 30 January 1990.
For an AICTE-approved technical institution, the SC/ST Committee can support the institution’s efforts to maintain a discrimination-free environment and create awareness among students and staff regarding the provisions and safeguards under the Act.
Major provisions relevant to an institution
- Prevention of discrimination, humiliation and atrocities against SC/ST persons.
- Awareness among students and employees regarding legal safeguards.
- Appropriate recording and forwarding of complaints involving offences covered by the Act.
- Protection of the rights of victims and witnesses.
- Cooperation with competent authorities wherever a matter falls under the Act.
- Conducting awareness programmes, seminars and sensitisation activities.
- Maintaining records of complaints, committee meetings and awareness programmes.
The Act contains provisions relating to offences and punishments (Section 3), neglect of duties (Section 4), Special/Exclusive Special Courts (Section 14), rights of victims and witnesses (Section 15A), preventive action (Section 17), and the duty of Government to ensure effective implementation (Section 21).