Bharat Bandh live news updates: We're not against Act but innocent shouldn't be punished, says SC

Reports of chaotic protests on Monday emerged from Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha.

Protesters hurl brickbats as smoke billows out of burning cars during ''Bharat Bandh'' against the alleged ''dilution'' of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Act, in Muzzaffarnagar on Monday. (PTI Photo)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon began hearing the review petition on SC/ST Act filed by the Centre following the deadly Bharat Bandh protests by Dalit groups, that killed at least 10 people and injured 65, including policemen. Earlier, the Attorney General added that an emergency-like situation has unfurled in the country with thousands of people out on the road. 

On Monday, Dalit protesters clashed with law enforcement agencies, blocked trains, squatted on roads and railway line, set vehicles ablaze while registering their anger against the dilution of the SC/ST Act. Reports of chaotic protests emerged from Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. 

On March 20, the top court diluted the stringent provisions of SC/ST Act in an effort to protect honest public servants discharging bonafide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the SC/ST Act. This did not go down well with SC-ST groups, Dalits and Opposition, who claim that it will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

03 April 2018

14:33 IST

The Supreme Court, while hearing the submissions by the Attorney General, observed, 'We are not against the Act. Innocent should not be punished.'

14:09 IST

In a series of tweets, BJP president Amit Shah said that the Narendra Modi government supports the rights of the Dalits and backward classes. "Through the Scheduled Castes & the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015 NDA govt has actually strengthened provisions of the Act. This was done in line with our commitment to the welfare of SC & ST communities," he wrote.

14:08 IST

"We will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!"

We will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

14:08 IST

Congress, which is mocking the DNA of PM @narendramodi is the same party which:
Defeated Dr. Ambedkar not once but twice.

Made flimsy excuses to ensure his portrait was not placed in Central Hall.

Denied him a Bharat Ratna. 
India has seen through their negative politics!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

14:07 IST

"Due to the politically driven manifestations of a microscopic minority of dejected and rejected political parties, crores of innocent people suffered. These parties owe our Dalit sisters and brothers an apology for their misdeeds," writes Shah

14:06 IST

The script is now old…before every election, the same vested interest groups start spreading panic about reservations.
BJP’s stand is clear, which I am once again stating- we fully believe in the Constitution given by Babasaheb and the rights it has given to SC/ST communities. pic.twitter.com/2hLAVG28xI

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

14:06 IST

The script is now old…before every election, the same vested interest groups start spreading panic about reservations.
BJP’s stand is clear, which I am once again stating- we fully believe in the Constitution given by Babasaheb and the rights it has given to SC/ST communities. pic.twitter.com/2hLAVG28xI

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:05 IST

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

14:00 IST

Supreme Court begins hearing

13:57 IST

"Right from the day the Honourable Supreme Court gave a judgment on SC/ST Atrocities Act, Central Government acted in an immediate and informed manner. An effective review petition has been filed that will protect rights of Dalits," writes Shah on Twitter.

13:56 IST

At every juncture and in all possible ways, BJP stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits: Amit Shah

At every juncture and in all possible ways, @BJP4India stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

12:21 IST

"Situation in the state is normal. Adequate police force has been deployed. Our priority is to maintain law and order in the state," said Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhuepndra Singh 

12:13 IST

In Rajasthan, clashes ensued between protesters and police in Karauli's Hindaun city. The demonstators started pelted stones as the police lathicharged. The police fired tear gas shells inside a senior secondary school leading to 24 students falling sick. The students being given relief-aid.

11:58 IST

"Government has filed review petition (over judgement on SC/ST Act ), I want to ask Mayawati Ji that what is the basis of such a protest before court verdict? Why does she want to promote anarchy in UP?," questions Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM KP Maurya 

11:57 IST

Death toll in Meerut remains 2

#Correction: #BharatBandh protest death toll in Meerut remains 2. https://t.co/qb7pPMs5th

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 3, 2018

11:53 IST

In Madhya Pradesh, a total of eight people have died so far due to violence during protests over SC/ST Protection Act. According to Gwalior SP 'curfew has been relaxed in Maharajganj, situation is under control. Curfew still imposed in four areas of the city.'

Madhya Pradesh: Total 8 people have died so far due to violence during protests over SC/ST Protection Act. SP Gwalior says 'curfew has been relaxed in Maharajganj, situation is under control. Curfew still imposed in four areas of the city.' pic.twitter.com/fvJihUFpvN

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018

11:04 IST

Another protester from Meerut, who was injured on Monday during the clashes, has succumbed to his injuries. Total 3 protesters have died in Uttar Pradesh so far during protests over SC/ST protection act. With this, the overall death toll has reached 11

11:01 IST

Government is committed towards rights of Dalits and their safety. Wherever Congress is in power there they are responsible for inciting people and spreading violence, said Union Minister Ananth Kumar

11:01 IST

Opposing AG's submission, Amicus Amrendra Sharan said that law and order is the responsibility of the government. Judgement should not be stayed on the ground that law and order is not stable.

11:00 IST

Hearing on the issue is open court is scheduled at 2 pm on Tuesday.

10:57 IST

There's an emergency-like situation in India, said Attorney General KK Venugopal, while seeking a stay on the operation of the judgement. Citing law and order situation in the country, he told the bench that people have died and 1000's of crores property has been destroyed.

10:45 IST

The Supreme Court agrees to open court hearing on SC/ST Act Review.

08:29 IST

Death toll due to violence rises to 7 in Madhya Pradesh.

08:20 IST

Internet suspended in Meerut till 2 pm as a precautionary measure

08:11 IST

The Centre is likely to press Supreme Court for an urgent review of its March 20 ruling on the scheduled castes and tribes, saying it has led to "dilution" of some stringent provisions of law to prevent atrocities against them. Attorney General KK Venugopal would possibly mention the Centre's review petition in the top court on Tuesday for an early hearing.

08:10 IST

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

08:10 IST

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

08:10 IST

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

07:38 IST

A 68-year-old man died after the ambulance carrying him couldn't reach the hospital on time due to Bharat Bandh protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Bijnor on Tuesday, his son lifted him on shoulders and ran towards hospital which was 1 km away, but the man was declared dead on arrival, reports ANI.

07:18 IST

 Minor received bullet injuries during protest over SC/ST Protection Act near Ganeshpur in Haridwar's Roorkee on Monday, admitted to hospital. 

Minor received bullet injuries during protest over SC/ST Protection Act near Ganeshpur in Haridwar's Roorkee yesterday, admitted to hospital #BharatBandh #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/kJ5elL0Y0B

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018

07:15 IST

Gopal Parmar, BJP MLA from Agar, forced shop owners to shut shutters over SC/ST Protection Act in Agar on Monday

Gopal Parmar, BJP MLA from Agar, seen forcing shop owners to close their shops during protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Agar yesterday #BharatBandh #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/aOubpB94F5

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018

07:13 IST

Schools and colleges except those conducting board examinations will remain shut in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. According to a release from state government, schools and colleges will remain close in Agra, Hapur, Ghaziabad and Meerut. The District Magistrate of Meerut had informed that no classes will be held from Class 1 till degree college for a day on Tuesday. The board exams of class 10 and 12 along with the university exams will, however, be conducted as scheduled.