Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was yet to examine fully the judgment of the Supreme Court tendered on Tuesday that seeks to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“The judgment has just come and I am yet to examine it,” said Mr. Prasad.
The Congress said on Wednesday that there was a need to review the judgment as it promoted a “sense of insecurity” among the Dalit community. “There is serious concern over the decision of the Supreme Court. If it is not reviewed, it will be very unfortunate. There is a feeling on insecurity among the SC/STs and other oppressed classes. We feel there should be a review of this decision which will be in national interest,” said Congress leader Anand Sharma.
‘Why is govt. silent?’
He demanded to know why the government was “silent” on the issue. “The government should clarify its stand and should present its version before the Supreme Court through the Attorney-General. If the government remains silent, it means that the government supports the decision,” Mr. Sharma said.
Mr. Prasad dismissed suggestions that the government condoned atrocities. “The Congress is in the habit of hurling accusations, whereas it did nothing in the years that it was in power for the uplift of Dalits. The Narendra Modi government has been proactive in its efforts to ensure social justice,” he said.
Senior Ministers in the government told The Hindu that they were in favour of filing a review petition, but said that it had not been discussed formally within the government.
