Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 27th Session (1-12 May 2017) on Discrimination and Violence against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Dalits) : 3rd UPR of India. [Geneva, 4 May 2017]
On the issue of Discrimination and Violence against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Dalits), I would like to say that Indian Constitution prohibits the State from discrimination of any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. The Prevention of Atrocities Act, related to protection of human rights of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, has been amended with effect from 26 January 2016. It provides for establishment of Special Courts for speedy trial of cases and to take direct cognizance of offences, and as far as possible, completion of trial cases within two months. Other amendments relate to rephrasing and expansion of some of the earlier-defined offences, addition of new offences, addition of a separate chapter on the ‘Rights of Victims and Witnesses’, enhanced relief amount and elaboration of duties to be performed by a public servant under the Act.
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