SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act — Definition

Definition

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 prohibits specified atrocities and provides institutions and protections for their prevention and prosecution. It addresses harms that can reinforce caste-based exclusion, including interference with property, dignity and participation.

Its application depends on the elements of the relevant offence, not merely the presence of an SC or ST person in a dispute. Special courts, public-servant duties and victim and witness protections connect the criminal prohibitions to access to justice.

Fair investigation and protection against intimidation are complementary parts of that framework.