Bharat Bandh live news updates: We're not against Act but innocent shouldn't be punished, says SC

Reports of chaotic protests on Monday emerged from Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. 

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Tuesday, April 3, 2018 - 14:37
Protesters hurl brickbats as smoke billows out of burning cars during ''Bharat Bandh'' against the alleged ''dilution'' of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Act, in Muzzaffarnagar on Monday. (PTI Photo)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon began hearing the review petition on SC/ST Act filed by the Centre following the deadly Bharat Bandh protests by Dalit groups, that killed at least 10 people and injured 65, including policemen. Earlier, the Attorney General added that an emergency-like situation has unfurled in the country with thousands of people out on the road. 

On Monday, Dalit protesters clashed with law enforcement agencies, blocked trains, squatted on roads and railway line, set vehicles ablaze while registering their anger against the dilution of the SC/ST Act. Reports of chaotic protests emerged from Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. 

On March 20, the top court diluted the stringent provisions of SC/ST Act in an effort to protect honest public servants discharging bonafide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the SC/ST Act. This did not go down well with SC-ST groups, Dalits and Opposition, who claim that it will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

3 April 2018, 14:33 PM

The Supreme Court, while hearing the submissions by the Attorney General, observed, 'We are not against the Act. Innocent should not be punished.'

3 April 2018, 14:00 PM

Supreme Court begins hearing

3 April 2018, 14:09 PM

In a series of tweets, BJP president Amit Shah said that the Narendra Modi government supports the rights of the Dalits and backward classes. "Through the Scheduled Castes & the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015 NDA govt has actually strengthened provisions of the Act. This was done in line with our commitment to the welfare of SC & ST communities," he wrote.

3 April 2018, 14:08 PM

"We will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!"

 

 

 

3 April 2018, 14:08 PM

3 April 2018, 14:07 PM

"Due to the politically driven manifestations of a microscopic minority of dejected and rejected political parties, crores of innocent people suffered. These parties owe our Dalit sisters and brothers an apology for their misdeeds," writes Shah

3 April 2018, 14:06 PM

3 April 2018, 14:06 PM

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 14:05 PM

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

3 April 2018, 13:57 PM

"Right from the day the Honourable Supreme Court gave a judgment on SC/ST Atrocities Act, Central Government acted in an immediate and informed manner. An effective review petition has been filed that will protect rights of Dalits," writes Shah on Twitter.

3 April 2018, 13:56 PM

At every juncture and in all possible ways, BJP stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits: Amit Shah

3 April 2018, 12:21 PM

"Situation in the state is normal. Adequate police force has been deployed. Our priority is to maintain law and order in the state," said Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhuepndra Singh 

3 April 2018, 12:13 PM

In Rajasthan, clashes ensued between protesters and police in Karauli's Hindaun city. The demonstators started pelted stones as the police lathicharged. The police fired tear gas shells inside a senior secondary school leading to 24 students falling sick. The students being given relief-aid.

3 April 2018, 11:58 AM

"Government has filed review petition (over judgement on SC/ST Act ), I want to ask Mayawati Ji that what is the basis of such a protest before court verdict? Why does she want to promote anarchy in UP?," questions Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM KP Maurya 

3 April 2018, 11:57 AM

Death toll in Meerut remains 2

 

3 April 2018, 11:53 AM

In Madhya Pradesh, a total of eight people have died so far due to violence during protests over SC/ST Protection Act. According to Gwalior SP 'curfew has been relaxed in Maharajganj, situation is under control. Curfew still imposed in four areas of the city.'

 

3 April 2018, 11:04 AM

Another protester from Meerut, who was injured on Monday during the clashes, has succumbed to his injuries. Total 3 protesters have died in Uttar Pradesh so far during protests over SC/ST protection act. With this, the overall death toll has reached 11

3 April 2018, 11:01 AM

Government is committed towards rights of Dalits and their safety. Wherever Congress is in power there they are responsible for inciting people and spreading violence, said Union Minister Ananth Kumar

3 April 2018, 11:01 AM

Opposing AG's submission, Amicus Amrendra Sharan said that law and order is the responsibility of the government. Judgement should not be stayed on the ground that law and order is not stable.

3 April 2018, 11:00 AM

Hearing on the issue is open court is scheduled at 2 pm on Tuesday.

3 April 2018, 10:57 AM

There's an emergency-like situation in India, said Attorney General KK Venugopal, while seeking a stay on the operation of the judgement. Citing law and order situation in the country, he told the bench that people have died and 1000's of crores property has been destroyed.

 

3 April 2018, 10:45 AM

The Supreme Court agrees to open court hearing on SC/ST Act Review.

 

3 April 2018, 08:29 AM

Death toll due to violence rises to 7 in Madhya Pradesh.

3 April 2018, 08:20 AM

Internet suspended in Meerut till 2 pm as a precautionary measure

3 April 2018, 08:11 AM

The Centre is likely to press Supreme Court for an urgent review of its March 20 ruling on the scheduled castes and tribes, saying it has led to "dilution" of some stringent provisions of law to prevent atrocities against them. Attorney General KK Venugopal would possibly mention the Centre's review petition in the top court on Tuesday for an early hearing.

3 April 2018, 08:10 AM

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

 

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

3 April 2018, 08:10 AM

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

 

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

3 April 2018, 08:10 AM

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

 

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

3 April 2018, 07:38 AM

A 68-year-old man died after the ambulance carrying him couldn't reach the hospital on time due to Bharat Bandh protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Bijnor on Tuesday, his son lifted him on shoulders and ran towards hospital which was 1 km away, but the man was declared dead on arrival, reports ANI.

3 April 2018, 07:18 AM

 Minor received bullet injuries during protest over SC/ST Protection Act near Ganeshpur in Haridwar's Roorkee on Monday, admitted to hospital. 

3 April 2018, 07:15 AM

Gopal Parmar, BJP MLA from Agar, forced shop owners to shut shutters over SC/ST Protection Act in Agar on Monday

3 April 2018, 07:13 AM

Schools and colleges except those conducting board examinations will remain shut in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. According to a release from state government, schools and colleges will remain close in Agra, Hapur, Ghaziabad and Meerut. The District Magistrate of Meerut had informed that no classes will be held from Class 1 till degree college for a day on Tuesday. The board exams of class 10 and 12 along with the university exams will, however, be conducted as scheduled.