SC/ST Act ruling must be reviewed'

New Delhi: Congress MPs, led by party chief Rahul Gandhi, on Friday staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in the Parliament premises, demanding that the Centre seeks a review of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, raising slogans such as “Daliton ke samman mein, Rahul Gandhi maidan mein (Rahul Gandhi stands for protection of Dalit’s rights).

The apex court had on Tuesday diluted stringent provisions mandating immediate arrest under the law concerned in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the SC/ST Act.

The protesters charged the government with “not arguing properly” in the case before the apex court and demanded it files a review petition. They also called for an amendment in the Act.

Earlier, the MPs gathered at the office of the Congress Parliament party and discussed the strategy to move forward on the issue. Sources said the party’s strategy inside Parliament was also discussed with Mr Gandhi during the meeting.

Rajya Sabha MP of Congress Kumari Selja alleged that the development is a result of the BJP-RSS policy, as they are “conspiring to end reservation”.

Congress communications incharge Randeep Surjewala said the Centre and the Maharashtra government, which were a party on the issue in the case, did not present their case properly.

The party has also accused the government of being silent on the issue, alleging that the government counsels did not present their case properly.

“There is serious concern over yesterday’s decision of the Supreme Court. If it is not reviewed, it will be very unfortunate. There is a feeling on insecurity among the SC/STs and other oppressed classes. We feel there should be a review of this decision that will be in national interest,” senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said.