DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Monday threatened to launch a series of protests if the Centre failed to include the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which would put it beyond judicial review.
Addressing a demonstration held in Chennai to condemn the recent Supreme Court order barring the immediate arrest of persons accused of committing atrocities against Dalits, Mr. Stalin urged the Centre to immediately file a review petition.
Shifting focus
“We are fighting for the implementation of the court order in the Cauvery water sharing dispute. Today, we are condemning the atrocious Supreme Court order against the SCs/STs. The government should either file a review petition or include the Act in the 9th Schedule,” he said. Alleging that every State had been beset by problems since the BJP came to power at the Centre, Mr. Stalin said had Tamil Nadu not been preoccupied with the Cauvery issue, the Supreme Court order [on the SC/ST Act] would have resulted in major unrest in the State.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan were among those who participated in the demonstration.
