THREE DECADES OF THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989: TRENDS, JUDICIAL OUTCOMES, AND BARRIERS TO JUSTICE IN INDIA

Abstract [English]

India has made significant strides in the legal battle against systematic discrimination and violence based on caste with PoA, 1989. For over thirty years, it has influenced legal discussions, victim protection strategies, and governmental responsibility in addressing caste-related crimes. This research meticulously analyzes the Act's progression—its historical origins, legislative development, and judicial interpretations—while scrutinizing data trends in case registration, backlog, and conviction rates. The study examines the equilibrium between legal frameworks and practical realities, highlighting that awareness initiatives and procedural changes have enhanced the reporting and visibility of caste-based offenses. However, enduring obstacles persist: police apathy, political meddling, evidentiary barriers, and uneven enforcement across states continue to restrict the law's revolutionary impact. Utilizing historical insights, contemporary case law, and empirical studies, the examination examines the extent to which the Act has achieved its objectives. Despite the enhancement of legal awareness and victim access to remedies, conviction rates continue to be disproportionately low, and delays in special courts compromise the assurance of prompt justice. The analysis emphasizes the necessity for immediate improvements, including enhancing the capabilities of investigators and prosecutors, enforcing rigorous compliance with statutory deadlines, and instituting independent monitoring systems for accountability. It underscores the necessity for ongoing legal literacy initiatives, especially in rural and underprivileged areas, to bridge the information gap and empower prospective victims. The report contends that the Act's efficacy relies on a twofold approach: enhancing procedural efficiency within the judicial system and promoting ongoing socio-political initiatives to eradicate entrenched caste systems. A cooperative strategy engaging the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, and community stakeholders is essential to transform the Act from a mostly punitive framework into a proactive tool for social justice. An integrated strategy is essential for fulfilling the constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, and security for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India.