25.08.24.Untouchables news.chennai.India.by Team Sivaji.9444917060.
3 sentenced to life term for killing 20yo Dalit man
Bijnor: A special SC/ST court in Bijnor sentenced three men — Sahab Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Sandeep Singh — to life imprisonment and imposed a total fine of Rs 3.1 lakh for killing a 20-year-old Dalit man, Vivek Kumar, at Sadakpur in Mandawar on Jan 19, 2019.
Special prosecution officer, Shalabh Sharma, said on Saturday, “The incident took place when Vivek Kumar was on the roof of his house to fix an electrical wire. At that moment, the three accused men (aged between 25 and 30 then) from the same village used casteist slurs and fired upon him with an intent to kill him due to an old enmity. One of the bullets hit Kumar in his right eye. He was taken to the district hospital and later shifted to Meerut, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.”
Following the complaint filed by Kumar’s father Hukum Singh, a murder case was registered against the accused at Mandawar police station, and based on Sahab’s confession, the weapon used in the crime was recovered. All the accused were then arrested by the police.
After the investigation and statements by witnesses, the special SC/ST court presided by judge Awdhesh Kumar on Friday found the accused guilty of committing murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The accused, who were out on bail, were sent back to jail on Saturday.
As per official records, Sahab is listed among the top 10 criminals in the district and has several serious cases, including attempt to murder, murder, and those under the SC/ST Act, Goonda Act and Arms Act, registered against him across various police stations.
No SC/ST Act offence if individual Dalit insulted: SCThe Supreme Court of India granted anticipatory bail to Shajan Skaria, noting that insulting an individual from the SC/ST community without referring to caste is not punishable under the SC/ST Act. The court ruled that Skaria’s remarks towards CPM MLA P V Sreenijan were defamatory but not a caste-based insult under the Act.112747818
No SC/ST Act offence if individual Dalit insulted: SCThe Supreme Court ruled that insulting or humiliating an SC/ST individual without reference to their caste or untouchability would not violate the SC/ST Act, 1989. The judgment came while granting anticipatory bail to Shajan Skaria, who was accused of defaming CPM MLA P V Sreenijan. The court deemed the insult as defamation, not a caste-based offence.112747819
Mahesh Bhatt reveals Dilip Kumar refused Sanjay Dutt’s role in ‘Naam’: ‘Salim Khan sahab wanted Dilip sahab to do the film so…’Mahesh Bhatt recalled his 1986 film ‘Naam’ as a dream project. Initially, Dilip Kumar was considered for the lead role but declined due to financial issues. Sanjay Dutt, newly sober, joined the cast. Bhatt praised Nutan’s professionalism and Kumar Gaurav’s exceptional performance, highlighting Salim Khan’s pivotal role in the project’s success.112686730
Courtesy : TOI
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, responding to Rahul Gandhi's comment on Dalit and tribals, suggested the Congress leader should do a fact-check
Kiren Rijiju called Rahul Gandhi's comments on Dalit and tribal issues .
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has shredded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments that there are no "Dalit and adivasi" in the list of the beauty pageant Miss India as something that can only come from a "bal buddhi (juvenile)".
At the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan held in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj to demand a caste census, Mr Gandhi on Saturday had said India can't function well without the participation of the "90 per cent" population.
"I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, adivasi (tribal) or OBC (Other Backward Classes) women. Some will talk about cricket or Bollywood. No one will show the cobbler or plumber. Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 per cent," Mr Gandhi told reporters in Prayagraj.
"We want to know how many in institutions, corporates, Bollywood, Miss India are from the 90 per cent. I am only saying that 90 per cent did not have bhagidari and this should be checked," the Congress MP said.
Mr Rijiju, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs and MP from Arunachal Pradesh, responding to Mr Gandhi's comment, suggested the Congress leader should do a fact-check - President Droupadi Murmu is the country's first President who is a tribal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to OBC, and there is a record number of cabinet ministers who are from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.
"Now, He wants reservations in Miss India competitions, films, sports! It is not only issue of 'Bal Budhi', but people who cheer him are equally responsible too!" Mr Rijiju posted. "Childish wit may be good for entertainment but don't make fun of backward communities in your divisive tactics," he said in Hindi.
"Rahul Gandhi ji, governments don't select Miss India, governments don't select athletes for Olympics, and governments do not choose actors for films... Rahul Gandhi ji made it clear that Supreme Court won't be allowed to alter reservations in IAS, IPS, IFS, all top services recruitment. But he can't see 1st tribal President, OBC PM, record numbers of SC/ST cabinet ministers" Mr Rijiju said.
In his interaction with reporters yesterday, Mr Gandhi had warned the BJP may say he was trying to divide the country with his demand of a caste census.
Home Minister Amit Shah has said the decadal census exercise would be carried out at an appropriate time and an announcement would be made whenever it is decided.
Politics
While Uttar Pradesh, Bihar Have Had Dalit Chief Ministers, Tamil Nadu Is Unlikely To Have One Anytime Soon
S Rajesh
Aug 24, 2024, 05:09 PM | Updated 05:09 PM IST
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A recent remark by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss saying that his party would make a Dalit the chief minister of the state if his party received the support of the community has drawn quite a lot of attention in Tamil Nadu.
Ramadoss made the remarks in response to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thirumavalavan’s statement that a Dalit could never be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
Mayawati slams SP, Congress for silence on SCs, STs sub-classification
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mayawati-slams-sp-congress-for-silence-on-scs-sts-sub-classification/articleshow/112758462.cms
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This ETV Bharat screenshot claiming that members of the Valmiki Samaj were not allowed to enter the Supreme Court is edited
0Recently, on 01 August 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a judgment allowing sub-classification within SC and ST reservations. The Court ruled that states can sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to provide additional quotas for more disadvantaged groups within these categories. A seven-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, decided by a 6-1 majority that this sub-classification is permissible to address varying levels of discrimination among SCs and STs (here, here). In this context, a purported screenshot of an ETV Bharat news report, claiming that members of the Valmiki Samaj were not allowed to enter the Supreme Court, is being widely shared across social media platforms (here, here, and here). The report further stated that members of the Valmiki community who went to honour the Supreme Court with flowers were denied entry because it was claimed that their presence would render the court impure and necessitate cleansing with cow urine. Through this article, let’s fact-check the authenticity of this viral screenshot and the claims made in these posts.
Claim: Screenshot of ETV Bharat report stating that the Supreme Court of India did not allow members of the Valmiki Samaj to enter, claiming that their presence would render the court impure.
Fact: This viral screenshot of the ETV Bharat news report is edited. The original news report, published on 18 August 2024 by ETV Bharat about the Valmiki society supporting the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on SC/ST sub-categorization, has been digitally altered and is being shared to spread misinformation. There are no reports of the Supreme Court of India denying entry to members of the Valmiki Samaj on the basis of caste or claiming that their presence would render the court impure, either recently or in the past. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
On 21 August 2024, several Dalit and Adivasi associations held a nationwide protest (Bharat Bandh) opposing the Supreme Court’s judgment allowing sub-categorization within SC/ST reservations. The protesters also demanded that the Central Government clarify its stance on sub-categorization, appealed to the Union Government to enact a law to ‘nullify’ the judgment, and called for a caste census to reveal the ‘real situation’ of different castes in India (here, here, and here).
To verify the authenticity of the viral ETV Bharat news report screenshot, we conducted a relevant keyword search and found that ETV Bharat did not publish any such report. We also did not find any reports stating that the Supreme Court of India denied entry to members of the Valmiki Samaj, claiming that their presence would render the court impure. If such an incident had occurred, it would have been certainly reported by several media outlets.
During this search, we also found an ETV Bharat news report published on 18 August 2024 about the Valmiki society supporting the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on SC/ST sub-categorization. The report stated that the MCD Safai Karamchari Union and the leaders of the Valmiki community held a meeting on 18 August 2024 and expressed their full support for the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on SC/ST sub-categorization, asserting that it should be implemented nationwide. The report further noted that these associations are opposing the Bharat Bandh scheduled for 21 August, which is being held in protest of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on SC/ST sub-categorization. Additionally, the report features the same picture that appeared in the viral news report. This indicates that the ETV Bharat news report published on 18 August 2024 has been edited and is being shared to disseminate misinformation.
To sum up, this ETV Bharat News report screenshot claiming that members of the Valmiki Samaj were not allowed to enter the Supreme Court is edited.
Head Constable Suicide Case: Suicide or Institutional Murder? Dalit Rights Orgs Demand for Justice
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The family has demanded ₹1 crore in financial compensation, a compassionate job for a family member, another job on contract for an additional member, and a dairy booth. Meanwhile, the family and others have set up tents and are protesting outside the SMS mortuary.
On Saturday, retired Additional SP and former General Secretary of the Ambedkar Welfare Society, Anil Gothwal, attempted to mediate, but the situation reached an impasse due to demands for immediate arrests. The administration has stated that action will be taken against those found guilty after an investigation.
Six page suicide note
The incident traces back to August 8, 2023, when a land dispute case surfaced in Bhankrota police station. The police arrested one party under Section 151 and handed over possession of the land to the other party. Later, the arrested party filed a report, which was corroborated during the investigation. The then-SHO of Bhankrota, Chainaram, ASI Surendra, and Head Constable Babulal were suspended, and the departmental inquiry into the matter is still pending at police headquarters.Head Constable Babulal, who had been reinstated in January, was assigned to the Crime Branch at the DCP West office. He had been visiting Bhankrota police station for two weeks to hand over the charge of the maalkhana (property room).
On Thursday, after sharing a six-page suicide note with friends and colleagues, Babulal hanged himself at around 11:30 AM, while at the outpost to oversee items related to the maalkhana.
In the suicide note, Head Constable Babulal wrote that he had been suffering harassment for 11 months. He mentioned that due to a false suspension, society and relatives treated him as if he had committed a murder. Babulal also requested a CBI investigation into the three cases related to his suspension. Additionally, he asked for his five months of pending salary to be given to his children and for his son Tanuj to be provided a job in any position.
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Statements and Protests
Advocates Satish Kumar and Chandalal Bairwa, representing the Dalit Adhikar Kendra, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding the arrest of the accused officers.
Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasara and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Juli issued separate statements, expressing grief over the suicide and urging the government to conduct a fair investigation and take strict action against those responsible.
On Saturday, family members of the deceased and social organizations protesting outside the mortuary took out a march, demanding action. Another round of discussions between the protestors and Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph also failed to reach a resolution.
The angry protestors, led by the deceased's son, demanded action against Additional DCP Jagdish Vyas, ACP Anil Sharma, Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Singh, and journalist Kamal Degda. NSUI State President Vinod Jakhad, Ravi Meghwal, Gigeraj Jodli, Anil Tirdiya, and Jitendra Hatwal were among the many representatives present at the protest.
After Congress and CPI(M), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) also demanded the suspension and arrest of the police officers and personnel accused of abetting the suicide. BSP State President Bhagwan Singh Baba questioned why the accused had not been arrested despite being named in the suicide note, which mentioned caste-based harassment and mistreatment by the police.
Sub categorization and cream layer criteria applicable to SC,ST reservation, recognizes grade among Dalit and Adivasies in spite of homogeneity of issues.
The Supreme Court,s judgement on 1st August 2024 by 7 judge constitution bench in a 6:1 majority judgement on state of Punjab v. Davindra Singh, allowed states for sub-classification of scheduled castes for purpose of reservation in jobs and education and also introduction of a creamy layer criteria to SC and ST reservation different from OBC.
Manas Jena
The matter of applicability of creamy layer was denied to SC,ST in Indra Swahney vs Union of India(1992) case but now both sub categorization and cream layer is applicable to all reserve categories except EWS.
This judgement also changed the E.V.Chinnaiah v. state of AP (2004)’s 5 Judge bench decision which was restricting the states to sub-categories SC list, notified by president under article 341, for the purpose of preferential treatment to relatively backward castes within SC.
The judgement led by the Chief Justice(J) while upholding the state power to do classification imposed conditions before the state to generate quantifiable data to justify such division based on inadequate representation. This process is not above judicial scrutiny. J. Gavai wrote that sub- categorization is to bring more social and economic democracy. J. Bela Trivedi takes an opposite view over the majority judgement, referring to the limitation of legislative power of the state.
While sub-categorization gets a mixed response among Dalit groups and political parties,the introduction of cream layer is being opposed by almost all. Though primarily the petition was relating to SC sub -categorization but unnecessarily the judgement has included ST who constitute almost half of SC population of the country and their issues are different as they are culturally-religiously not part of the caste system.The most vulnerable tribes such as PVTG are identified and supplemented with special projects along with a host of protective legislation such as religion neutral status, exclusive land and forest rights,PESA ,FRA and 5th and 6th scheduled provisions.
SCs continue as part of hierarchical caste society and the very basis of their identification started with untouchability and caste occupations. The reality is castes identified within SC are having very little commonality and also practice hierarchy among them though vary in degree.The castes traditionally engaged in leather work,shoe makers ,drummers , scavengers and Safai karamcharis and communities engaged in socially inferior occupations are seen as lowest in caste hierarchy.The anti-caste movement very seldom discuss the issues of social assimilation among Dalits in line of annihilation of caste. There are more than 1100 sub castes identified as SC in 28 states.The SC status is state specific, so also their issues based on occupations and social status. It is also linked to religion and local political dynamics. The Indian statutory commission report 1930 reported that “Bengal ,Bihar and Odisha and the united provinces, although there were large numbers belonging to untouchable caste ,in general they do not seem to suffer so universally or so severely as in the South”.
The issue of sub-categorization movement started some time in 1990 in AP ,Katakana and TN by the Madigas who are claiming themselves as less represented among SCs in getting reservation benefits that are not in proportion to their counterparts such as Mala and Adi Andhra. Similarly the Valmikis ,Majbis of Punjab and Arunthathiyars and Chakliars of TN and Musahar,Dom in Bihar, Mangs of Maharashtra are subscribe the same argument.The Mala, Holeya ,Paraiyar, Pallar,Chamar, Ravidasia,Paswan and Mahar etc are comparatively taken little higher benefits than others and have come out of caste based occupations,get educated, and getting little visibility in socio-eco and socio-political life among Dalit social groups . Odisha has witnessed a untouchable Dalit reservation movement against “Kaibarta,Keuta and Dhibar” castes who though not untouchable are entered into SC list and have taken a lion share in reserve seats in job ,education and political posts. The Bengali refuses get a SC status in Odisha and have been rehabilitated with land and other benefits, get visible in local business and politics while the locals there suffer the most.The untouchable communities ,Safai karamcharis ,Mehentara caste have been deprived of a fire share.
The sub -categorisation move started with The AP SCs (Rationalization of Reservation)Act 2000 which was upheld by the AP High Court but it was declared unconstitutional and then The Punjab scheduled caste and backward classes (Reservation in services)Act 2006, was unimplemented by the respective state governments has been a matter of concern for last twenty years. There were also a number of state commissions recommended for sub -categorization in different times such as J. P. Ramachandra Raju commission,AP, J. Gurnam singh commission,Haryana, J. RN Prasad committee, Punjab, Lahuji Salve Commission in Maharashtra,2003, J. A J Sadashiva Commission ,Karnatak, Mahadalit commission in Bihar, J. Janarthanam Committee in TN ,2008. The state of Bihar divided the Dalits into Dalit and Mahadalit in 2007 and Haryana created a group called deprived SCs in 2020.
The sub-categorization has been encouraged by BJP when PM Narendra Modi met Krishana Madiga ,leader of Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi in last election meeting and promised him for a change.The support of government for sub categorisation was well represented by both Attorney General and Solicitor General. Dr. PL Punia while in NCSC had made a recommendation for sub-categorization in 2010. The J. Usha Mehera commission setup by GoI on request of AP govt had opinion in its report in favour of sub-categorization in 2008. The then government of Odisha including other 14 states disagreed for sub-categorization.
As a matter of equality of opportunities, to promote substantive equality, preferential treatment is required for the most disadvantaged section to ensure their adequate representation , to that effect sub-categorisation is a reality for states aspiring for it.
Number of studies have found that creamy layer is not an issue among SC,ST. Because economic development of few does not kick off social discrimination historically faced by Dalits and Adivasies. The study by DICCI and MSJE reported that there is a very insignificant number of affluent among SCs and STs. Even though all the reserve seats will be filled up ,it will not cover one percent of the their population. The NSO 77th survey 2019 on debt and investment shows huge asset inequality among social groups ,and found SCs are on a lower ladder.
It is expected that the next move of the BJP government is making reservation Hindu centric.The conversion to non-Hindu religion has not impacted much on the social status of untouchables.Dr. Ambedkar preferred to leave Hinduism and embraced Buddhism with his lakhs of followers who were not in SC but included in 1990 .
The Dalit christian and Dalit Muslims have been demanding SC status. J. Sachar and J. Ranganatha Mishra commission’s recommendations still pending and currently, J. K.G. The Balakrishnan Commission is investigating the issue . BJP has been opposing the religion neutral character of SC and ST to oppose the inclusion of non-Hindus specially Muslim and Christians though already Sikh and Budhists have got an entry.
While opposing entry of Dalit Christians it is being argued that though they face social discrimination but they are relatively more well off than Dalit Hindus may be due to access to English education and exposure to larger Christian society. While globalization and privatization takes up issues of jobs and education beyond reservation. SC,ST have to find solutions to over come reservation centric issues and must more engage in building socialistic and democratic aspirations of the community towards an egalitarian society and must collectively strive to fight issues such as abolition of caste and for universal access to all kinds of public opportunities including land, education, budget ,reservation in private sector to achieve larger holistic transformation for the whole community and nation at large.
(manasbbsr15@gmail.com)
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MP: Dalit Sarpanch Denied a Chair in Gram Sabha, Told to Bring One from Home or Stand
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Sarpanch Shraddha Singh, in a letter to Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, stated that a flag-hoisting ceremony was scheduled at the Gram Panchayat on Independence Day. According to state government orders, the flag hoisting was to be carried out by the Sarpanch. Shraddha had informed Panchayat Secretary Vijay Pratap Singh about the order, but by the time she arrived at the Panchayat premises, Deputy Sarpanch Dharmendra Singh had already hoisted the flag.
This incident was not just due to her being a woman but was part of a deliberate plan because she belongs to the Dalit community. Sarpanch Shraddha Singh described this as a clear example of conspiracy and insult against her.
In a conversation with The Mooknayak, 28-year-old Sarpanch Shraddha Singh shared that she was humiliated again during a Gram Sabha meeting on August 17. During the meeting, when she asked for a chair, both the Deputy Sarpanch and the Secretary refused her, saying, "If you want a chair, bring it from home; otherwise, sit on the ground or remain standing."
Shraddha mentioned that this was not the first time she had been treated this way. As a Dalit woman, she has always faced humiliation and discrimination. Whenever she tries to get any work done in the village, obstacles are deliberately placed in her way.
Shraddha was elected as the Sarpanch of this village in July 2022. The village has approximately 1,600 voters, 50% of whom are from the Thakur community, while the rest belong to Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC communities. She won the election by a thin margin of 58 votes. Infuriated by her victory, the caste Hindus had tried to create ruckus and instigate others, Shraddha said. However, things were controlled after intervention by SDM and the DM.
Sarpanch Shraddha expressed that she is deeply hurt by the behavior she has been subjected to, but she is not one to give up. She vowed to continue raising her voice against this discrimination and injustice and will fight to advance developmental works in her Panchayat.
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It remains to be seen what actions the state government and the Panchayat and Rural Development Minister will take in this matter and whether the Dalit woman Sarpanch will receive her rightful respect and justice.
In connection with this matter, Advocate Vijaykumar Azad of Bhim Army - Bharat Ekta Mission stated that protests and memorandums would be submitted across all districts regarding this incident by the organization.
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