Crime Against Schedule Cast in India
The constitutional values of equality, dignity, and justice in India are under near-constant threat due to the entrenched caste system within Indian society. The schedule cast in India, as well as the schedule tribes in India, have been the targets for years of unchecked discrimination, violence and social isolation. Even with safeguards to protect legally, these communities remain some of the most marginalized communities within the caste system in India, and are often referred to as the lowest caste in India.
At Vrinlegal, we are committed to defending the legal rights of these communities and addressing systemic injustice. In this page, we will focus on the variety of crimes that are committed against the schedule cast in India, the legal frameworks for protection, and how our expert legal team can support victims seeking justice.
Understanding the Caste System of India
Historical Context of India's Caste System:
The caste system in India is an ancient hierarchical social structure that is thousands of years old. Traditionally, society divides into four main castes, or varnas — Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, with those that lie outside of this system categorized as “untouchables” (since the time of the constitution, known as the schedule caste in India). The schedule tribes in India, while not described in the traditional caste framework, continue to be systemically marginalized based on their indigenous heritage, lack of resources, and social exclusion.
What are the Crimes Against SC/ST:
Crimes against schedule castes in India and schedule tribes in India are related to physical violence to social and economic exclusion. Common crimes include:
Caste based abuse and slurs
Forced displacement and land grabbing
Denial of access to public places and services
Sexual violence against women from SC/ST persons.
Atrocities such as lynching, beating, and murder
Discrimination in employment and education
These actions are not only disrespectful of human dignity; they are a direct attack against the constitutional guarantee of equality.
Key Legislation for Protection:
1. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
This legislation was trailblazing as it makes acts of violence and discrimination are criminal offenses against the schedule cast in India and schedule tribes in India. Important provisions include:
Immediate arrest of accused without bail
Establishment of special courts for a speedy trial
Relief and rehabilitation measures for the victim
Increased penalties against negligent government officials in SC/ST cases
2. Article 17 of Indian constitution
Article 17 abolishes "untouchability" and prohibits its practice in any form, guarantees legal protection for the groups identified as the lowest caste in India.
3. SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act, 2015 & 2018
The Amendment Acts incorporated additional categories of offenses, stronger penalties, and investigation timelines under the Prevention of Atrocities Act and provide an enforceable right for those who have been negatively identified in caste based communities.
Crime Data and the Sad Reality
Even with strong legal safeguards, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a consistent uptick in crimes against SC/ST people:
Thousands of cases are logged every year involving atrocities against schedule cast in India
Dalit Women are at a disproportionate risk for sexual violence
The conviction rate in those cases is pathetically low demonstrating the importance of legal activism and representation
These facts underline the harsh reality that the caste in India still significantly dictates social behavior and access to justice.
How Legal Help Assists in Tackling Caste-based crimes?
Vrinlegal offers a full range of legal support for victims of crime committed against schedule cast in India and schedule tribes in India. Specifically, we provide:
Filing FIRs and immediate police action
Legal representation in courts and tribunals
Helping with compensation and rehabilitation
Legal advice regarding constitutional rights and remedy
We understand caste-based crimes involve more than just bodily harm; it implicates your identity, dignity, and very existence as well.
Enabling SC/ST Communities Through Legal Literacy
Education and organisation are the best ways to end the cycle of oppression. We work with community-based organisations and NGOs to:
Provide legal literacy programs to SC/ST groups
Train community leaders on legal processes
Increase awareness of fundamental rights and the protections available
Assist victims with counselling and psychological support
Government and Social Initiatives
1. SC/ST Welfare Schemes
Government schemes both at the central and state level to uplift the schedule cast in India and schedule tribes in India include:
- Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes
- Special Central Assistance for Tribal Sub-Plan
- Reservations in government jobs and educational institutions
These government schemes lack proper implementation, and generally are not utilized properly and have poor implementation.
2. They have the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST), which are constitutional bodies, assigned to monitor and investigate complaints related to SC/ST rights. However, they, too, are restricted and limited due to red tape, and lack of enforcement powers/jurisdiction.
Caste Discrimination Today
While urbanization and modernization have transformed the landscape in India, casteism still thrives in both subtle and overt ways:
Discrimination in housing and employment
Social segregation in rural villages
Online hate speech aimed at SC/ST voices
Discriminatory enforcement of the law and legal processes
Social media is also a double-edged sword: it helps to elevate some marginalized voices while simultaneously being a platform for targeted hate.
How Vrinlegal Stands By You?
At Vrinlegal we believe that access to justice in India, must not be limited by someone's caste. We are here to amplify the voices of those suffering from caste-based violence, and bring justice to those who have been harmed. We will be there for victims whether it is reporting a case, making the police act, or representing victims in a court of law. We will continue to build a strong foundation for those individuals, who are often marginalized.
We do not just represent. We empower.
Final Thoughts
The offences against the schedule cast in India and the schedule tribes in India is not simply a breach of law, but an affront to the ideals of humanity and equality. Although India has made steps toward understanding and addressing the crimes against those in the lowest caste in India, there is still much work to be done in order to achieve legitimate justice
Understanding the caste system of India, recognizing the actual situation of the lowest caste in India, and striving for a legal system for all, will make significant changes in the pursuit for justice.
Let us speak for the people who cannot speak. Let Vrinlegal assist you in obtaining your rights and dignity.