Assembly discusses SC/ST Act, protest against dilution

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assembly on Thursday discussed the need for a stronger law for members of the SC/ST community and how the recent judgment by Supreme Court might dilute the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act that will affect the condition of the minorities of the Capital and India.

"When the ministers, MLAs and MPs are being attacked, how can we expect the security of the general public," asked Delhi Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam in the Assembly.

Talking about the implementation of the law, he said, "I have experienced that police do not take complaints of the minorities seriously and now, after the SC judgement, these incidents will increase."

The Minister also mentioned that crimes against minorities in Delhi and all over India are increasing. "Everywhere in India, minorities are in fear and the judiciary should always support the rights of the minorities. If such a decision gets finalised, people will lose faith in the judiciary and that will be a black day for India," Gautam said.

Other MLAs also raised the issue and urged the Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel to hold a discussion on this issue. The Speaker allowed a short duration discussion on the issue, wherein several MLAs complained that in various parts of the city and the country, police manipulate the complaints of the minorities and a stringent law is needed for the protection of their rights.

Earlier, Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the Centre should appoint well-known lawyers to represent it in the case.

Earlier this week, the Opposition BJP too had come out against the Supreme Court's decision. Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta said that the BJP did "not support" the ruling and asked that along with the Centre, the Delhi government should intervene in the matter in the Supreme Court.