Bharat Bandh Shakes the Nation: Protests Erupt Over SC’s Landmark Verdict on SC/ST Reservations!

Amid a nationwide strike called by Dalit and Adivasi groups in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), the situation has escalated significantly.

P24 News Media

August 21, 2024

1 minute

India

Bharat Bandh Sparks Nationwide Protests
Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Amid a nationwide strike called by Dalit and Adivasi groups in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), the situation has escalated significantly. Police in Patna have lathicharged protesters, with twenty-one organisations leading the Bharat Bandh. Major political parties and groups, including Left parties, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Bahujan Samajwadi Party, have pledged their support for the strike.

Protest Disruptions Across the Country
Early morning visuals shared by news agency ANI captured intense demonstrations by the ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ in Patna. Protesters have also blocked NH-83 in Jehanabad, and disruptions have been reported at Bhubaneswar railway station, affecting rail services. The protests reflect widespread frustration with the SC’s decision, which some activists argue undermines the unity of Dalit movements and threatens constitutional rights.

NACDAOR’s Strong Reactions
According to the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), the Supreme Court’s verdict jeopardizes the constitutional rights of SCs and STs. NACDAOR is urging the government to pass a new law on reservations that includes these categories in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, to safeguard their interests. The organisation fears that the new ruling may lead to further divisions among Dalit groups and weaken their collective bargaining power.

Union Minister’s Perspective
Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary addressed the Bharat Bandh and the SC/ST reservation issue, stating, “The Supreme Court had commented, after which the Law Minister also clarified it in Parliament. The Cabinet has also clarified its opinion, so now there is nothing left.” His remarks highlight the government’s stance on the court’s ruling and its implications for ongoing protests.

Impact on Odisha’s Infrastructure
In Odisha, the Bharat Bandh has significantly impacted road and rail connections. Authorities have bolstered security around key locations such as the state secretariat and other government buildings. Despite disruptions, government offices, banks, business establishments, and educational institutions are operating normally. The Home Department advised officials to reach their offices by 9:30 am to maintain essential services.

Akhilesh Yadav Supports Peaceful Protests
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has expressed support for the Bharat Bandh, calling it a “positive effort” to protect reservations. In a statement on X, Yadav emphasized that peaceful movements are a fundamental democratic right and necessary to uphold the Constitution’s integrity. He underscored the importance of public protest as a check on governmental overreach and fraud.

Supreme Court’s Verdict on Reservation Sub-Classification
The Supreme Court’s ruling on August 1 permits the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes within reservation categories. This landmark decision aims to provide greater protection to underrepresented groups within the SCs and STs. The seven-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, highlighted that SCs are not a homogenous group and need differentiated protection based on historical and empirical evidence. This ruling is set to have profound implications for how reservations are administered across different states.