The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to prevent the commission of offenses against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Act lists various offenses against SC/STs and provides for stringent punishments to be imposed on the perpetrators of such offenses. The Act also provides for various measures to protect the victims and witnesses of such offenses, including the establishment of special courts for the speedy trial of cases under the Act. In addition, the Act provides for the payment of compensation and rehabilitation of the victims of such offenses.