Untouchability Cases India

Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s 2022 report revealed that over 97% of cases under the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act—pertaining to untouchability—remain pending in Indian courts, with an alarming acquittal rate.

About Untouchability Cases India:

What are ‘Untouchability’ Cases Under the PCR Act?

• The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 criminalizes the practice of untouchability, including refusal to serve food, denial of access to religious spaces, schools, and public places.

• It mandates penalties, special courts, and annual reporting on enforcement status.

Trends in the 2022 Government Report:

• Sharp decline in FIRs: Only 13 cases registered in 2022 (vs. 24 in 2021), mainly from J&K, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.

• High pendency: 1,242 cases pending trial under the PCR Act and 97% pendency rate in courts.

• Poor conviction rate: In 2022, 30 out of 31 cases disposed ended in acquittal and only 1 conviction.

• Low police action: Out of 51 total cases pending with police, chargesheets were filed in just 12.

• No “untouchability-prone” areas were identified by any State or UT—suggesting administrative neglect.

• By contrast, cases under the SC/ST (PoA) Act, 1989 have risen, indicating differential reporting or awareness.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Social Justice

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors. Mechanisms, laws, institutions for protection of vulnerable sections (SCs).

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

• Mechanisms, laws, institutions for protection of vulnerable sections (SCs).

• GS Paper I: Indian Society

• Salient features of Indian society, diversity, and the problem of casteism. Untouchability and caste-based discrimination as enduring social challenges.

• Salient features of Indian society, diversity, and the problem of casteism.

• Untouchability and caste-based discrimination as enduring social challenges.

• GS Paper IV: Ethics and Integrity

• Application of ethical values in public administration—justice, dignity, equality.