Picture by Prem SinghNew Delhi: Kerala has become the first state to petition the Supreme Court for a review of its judgment that has been accused of "diluting" the SC/ST Atrocities Act by ruling against automatic arrests and allowing anticipatory bail. At the last hearing after the Centre sought a review, the apex court had clarified that it would not allow any fresh intervention applications in the matter. "Any dilution thereof would shake the very objective of the mechanism to prevent offences of atrocities," the state said. For all the deterrent provisions in the act, the Kerala government argued, atrocities have continued against Dalits and tribal people. They are subjected to various offences, indignities, humiliations and harassment.

Source: The Telegraph April 14, 2018 20:03 UTC