Punjab: Dalit outfits call for bandh tomorrow against SC/ST Act amendment
A bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations on April 2 to protest against the amendments under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Punjab Government suspends services of public transport tomorrow (April 2) due to bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act.
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018
Punjab: All educational institutions to remain closed and mobile Internet services to be suspended in the state tomorrow in the wake of bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act.
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018
Punjab government announced that transport and mobile internet services will be suspended during the bandh.
All educational institutions will also remain closed, the government said.
Following the announcement, the Punjab police have also beefed up security arrangements. Heavy police have been deployed at parts that are considered sensitive in the state.
Punjab Chief Secy Karan A Singh wrote to Secr Dept of Defence, GoI stating 'Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law & order' during bandh called by several Dalit organisations against amendment of SC/ST Act.
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018
The Supreme Court on March 20, banned immediate and automatic arrest under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act citing"several occasions" where innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants were hindered from performing their duties under the prevailing Act.
The government on Friday decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's ruling on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Media reports said that the law ministry may approach the apex court soon after discussing the case with the Ministry of Social Justice.