AMN /
Parliament today passed a crucial bill that provides for stringent action against those involved in crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with the Rajya Sabha approving it today unanimously. The Lok Sabha had passed it earlier.
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill,2015 also provides for establishing special courts to try such offences and the rehabilitation of victims. It is aimed at prohibiting the commission of offences against members of the SC and ST communities.
Wrongful occupation of land belonging to SCs or STs is an offence under the bill.It also specifies that a non-SC or ST public servant who neglects his duties relating to SCs or STs shall be punishable with imprisonment for six months to one year.
The bill also makes certain new categories of actions like forcing an SC or ST individual to vote or not vote for a particular candidate punishable.