EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT: EVALUATING THE ENFORCEMENT AND IMPACT OF THE ACT IN PROTECTING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, enacted in 1989, aims to prevent atrocities against marginalized communities in India. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the Act by examining its enforcement mechanisms, judicial interpretation, sociopolitical context, and the impact on the lives of marginalized individuals. Despite its critical role in providing legal protection, the Act faces significant challenges in implementation and effectiveness, necessitating a nuanced exploration of its outcomes and areas for reform.