SC & ST ACT, 1989 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

THEIASHUB
Get an Instant Call Back from Our Expert Mentors Now!
+91

Context: The Supreme Court recently decided to scrutinize the legality of a provision within the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, requiring capital punishment if false evidence provided by a person leads to the execution of a member of the SC/ST community.


SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

  • Enactment: The government enacted the Act in 1989.
  • Aim: Furtherance of the provisions for abolition of untouchability (Article 17) and equality (Articles 14, 15) in the Constitution.
  • Offender: Any person who is not a member of a scheduled caste or a scheduled tribe and commits an offence listed in the Actagainst a member of a scheduled caste or a scheduled tribe is an offender.
  • Anticipatory Bail: Under section 18 of the act, provision for anticipatory bail is not available to the offenders.
  • Punishments: The police can arrest the offender without a warrant and start an investigation into the case without taking any orders from the court.

o The accused can be punished between six months to five years sentence and with a fine to life imprisonment or even death sentence in some cases.

  • Punishment to a public servant denying his duties to perform: Not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, he/she will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to one year.

SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities (Amendment) Act, 2015

  • Expanded Definitions: The amendment recognized more instances of "atrocities" as crimes against SCs and STs, broadening the scope of protection.
  • Wilful Negligence: The Act defined the term ‘wilful negligence’ for public servants at all levels, delineating responsibilities from the registration of complaints to preventing dereliction of duty under this Act.
  • Presumption Clause: If the accused was acquainted with the victim or the victim's family, the court would presume that the accused was aware of the caste or tribal identity of the victim unless proven otherwise, reinforcing accountability.

SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities (Amendment) Act, 2018

  • Introduced Section 18A: To overturn safeguards introduced by the Supreme Court.

o According to Section 18A, under the Prevention of Atrocities Act, there is no need for a preliminary inquiry to register a First Information Report against any individual.

  • Preliminary inquiry: Not be required for registration of a FIR against any person.
  • Arrest: No approval is required under this act.
  • Anticipatory bail: It rules out for anticipatory bail for the accused.


UPSC QEP 2026 Batch 5 - English
UPSC QEP 2026 Batch 5 - English
Buy now View Details
Submit Your Details to Learn More
I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
Buy now View Details



Join theIAShub’s Mains Answer Writing Program

Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.

Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !

I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi, UPSC Online & Offline Classes by IAShub

Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.

UPSC Online Classes by IAShub

IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.

Key Offerings Provided by IAShub

Here are some important services provided by IAShub:

  • UPSC Prelims: IAShub teaches for Prelims with a focus on basics. It also gives daily current affairs and monthly magazines.
  • Classroom Courses: IAShub has classroom learning for students in Delhi. The environment is good and peaceful for study.
  • Live Classes: Students who live far can join live UPSC online classes. These classes are just like real classes.
  • QEP for Mains: The Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) is special for Mains preparation. It helps students write better and faster.
  • Answer Writing: Regular answer writing practice is given. Teachers also check answers and give tips to improve.
  • Free Resource: IAShub gives free notes by toppers and helpful Main Booster material.
  • Test Series: Test series are available for every subject. These help students know their weak points and improve.
  • Interview Guidance Session: IAShub also gives interview practice sessions with experts. These help students feel confident.

UPSC Exam Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:

  • Prelims: It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
  • Mains: It has nine papers, including essays and optional subjects.
  • Interview: It tests the personality and confidence of the student.

This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.

How IAShub Helps in the UPSC Journey

IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi FAQs

Yes, IAShub offers live and recorded online classes. Students can attend from any part of India.

Classes are available in both English and Hindi, so students can choose the language they are comfortable with.

The classroom centre is located in Delhi. Students can visit and join offline batches there.

IAShub gives interview guidance sessions to help students prepare for the final round of UPSC.