Vachathi a tribal community in Tamil Nadu.
lives in the idyllic foothills of Chiteri in the Eastern Ghats Dharmapuri district T.N.
Community witnessed state-led brutality three decades ago.
On June 20, 1992. Police, forest and revenue officials — 269 in number — descended upon the village and accused the villagers of hoarding illegally felled sandalwood.
The villagers, women, the elderly and children included, were beaten up, their homes destroyed, wells poisoned and 18 women, including a girl, raped.
For the injustice they faced, after 3 decades madras high court found all the officials guilty.
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,1989
It aims to prevent atrocities and provide protection SC and ST.
This act amended in 2015.
Some offences like hurt, intimidation, kidnapping etc against SC and ST persons, can attract the imprisonment of 10 years.
Special Courts and Exclusive Special Public Prosecutors established.
The act outlines procedures for the investigation, trial, and prosecution of offenses against ST and SC.
Providing justice is a complex and contested issue.
There is evidence to suggest that the Act has had some positive impact.
The act is designed to make it more effective in providing justice to victims of caste-based discrimination and violence.
The Act provides for special investigation and prosecution procedures.
It also prohibits the grant of anticipatory bail to accused persons.
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