New Delhi, April 2 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and withdraw the cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth in April 2018 during nationwide protests against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In a letter to Modi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that 14 Dalit youth died on April 2, 2018.
"I am writing to request the withdrawal of the cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth on April 2, 2018, during the nationwide protests against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Gandhi wrote to Modi.
The protests were triggered by a judicial pronouncement that weakened the SC/ST Act, a law which empowered millions of Dalits and Adivasis to seek justice and protection against systemic discrimination and violence.
"This law emerged from a sustained people's movement to dismantle the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. It gave victims the courage to come forward and seek justice. The protests on April 2nd also reflected rising instances of violence and discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis. The young protesters were exercising their constitutional right to demand justice, equality, and dignity," Gandhi said.
"After the protests, many innocent youth were arrested. They continue to face criminal charges. Many of them are first-generation learners, and the pending cases have adversely affected their education, job prospects, and futures," he said in his letter dated April 1.
Parliament subsequently enacted the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018, restoring the strength of the law and reaffirming the rightful cause for which these youth had mobilised, the former Congress president said, and pointed out that the Supreme Court also upheld the amendment in 2020.
"In this context, I urge the Government of India to take a compassionate and just view of the matter and: Review all cases registered against SC/ST youth in connection with the April 2nd, 2018 protests; Withdraw or quash all the cases; and 3. Ensure that innocent youth are freed from the burden of prolonged legal proceedings," Gandhi said.
"As a nation committed to constitutional values, social justice, and equality, we bear a collective responsibility to ensure that those who have historically faced injustice are not further burdened. Extending relief to these young citizens will reaffirm our shared commitment to constitutional values, social justice, and the dignity of every Indian," he said.
"I urge you to personally resolve this important issue with sensitivity and urgency," Gandhi said.
Sharing the letter on X, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi, "Eight years ago, lakhs of Dalit-Adivasi youth staged protests against the weakening of the SC/ST Act, in which many were arrested. Parliament strengthened the law, but even today, innocent youth are bearing the burden of these cases."
"A strong SC/ST Act is their right, and peaceful protest is their entitlement. Today, we have urged the Prime Minister to withdraw all these cases with a sensitive and just perspective," he said.
