SC declines to stay SC/ST Act judgment, but will reconsider
What's the story
Supreme Court today set up an urgent two-judge bench to hear the Center's petition challenging its March 20 judgment.
It refused to stay its previous order, adding there were vested interests involved; those protesting might not even have read the judgment, the court said.
However, it clarified that it isn't against the SC/ST Act, and will reconsider the matter after 10 days.
SC order
What was the SC's order regarding the SC/ST act?
On March 20, the SC barred registration of cases and automatic arrest in alleged cases of harassment of SCs and STs under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) 1989.
Arrest of government servants would need prior sanction, and private citizens can only be arrested after the inquiry.
The purpose, it said, was to protect honest public servants from being blackmailed with false cases.
Reaction
How did the public react?
Dalit groups alleged that this move diluted the law meant to safeguard them.
They clashed with the police, attacked buses and government property and blockaded trains and roads in states like MP, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab and Bihar.
They also called for a nationwide shutdown on this issue.
Congress blamed the Center and Maharashtra government, parties to the case, of not presenting the issue properly.
Contention
What was the Center's contention in the review petition?
On Monday, the Center, in its petition, argued that SC's move deprives Dalits/Adivasis of living a dignified life promised under the Constitution.
Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to hear it on a priority basis, claiming that there is no urgency.
However, today, Attorney General KK Venugopal presented the matter before Misra, asking a stay on the judgment considering the country's law and order situation.