Rahul Gandhi urges Modi to withdraw cases against Dalit, Adivasi youth booked after 2018 protests

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to review and withdraw criminal cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth following the nationwide protests on April 2, 2018 against the dilution of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Mr. Gandhi posted his April 1 letter on his social media handle. 

In his letter, the Opposition leader said the protests were triggered by a judicial pronouncement that diluted provisions of the law meant to protect Dalits and Adivasis from discrimination and violence. 

Laws can be used to protect SC/ST people from atrocities: Legal Services Authority 

He noted that the Act had empowered “millions of Dalits and Adivasis to seek justice and protection against systemic discrimination and violence”.

Recalling that 14 Dalit youth had died during the protests, Mr. Gandhi said many others were arrested and continue to face criminal charges. “Many of them are first-generation learners, and the pending cases have adversely affected their education, job prospects and futures,” he said.

“It is important to recall that Parliament subsequently enacted the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018, restoring the strength of the law and reaffirming the rightful cause for which these youth had mobilised. The Supreme Court also upheld this amendment in 2020,” Mr. Gandhi said.

“In this context, I urge the Government of India to take a compassionate and just view of the matter,” he added, calling for a review of all cases registered against SC/ST youth in connection with the protests and the withdrawal or quashing of such cases.

He said relief to the youth would reaffirm the country’s commitment to constitutional values, social justice and equality, and urged the Prime Minister to resolve the matter “with sensitivity and urgency”.