Section 7 of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 : Section 7: Forfeiture Of Property Of Certain Persons

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a local business owner is convicted by a Special Court for refusing service to individuals belonging to a Scheduled Caste, in violation of The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The court, upon conviction, not only sentences the business owner to imprisonment but also orders that the vehicle used to transport goods exclusively for his business, which was involved in committing the offence, be forfeited to the government as per Section 7(1) of the Act.

In another instance, consider a landlord accused of forcefully evicting a tenant belonging to a Scheduled Tribe. During the trial, the Special Court, under Section 7(2), may decide to attach the landlord's property, including the house in question and other assets. If the landlord is eventually found guilty, the attached property may then be forfeited to the extent necessary to cover any fines imposed by the court.