This Act was enacted to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, recognising that ordinary criminal law was inadequate to address caste-based violence and discrimination, and provides for enhanced punishment and special courts for speedy trial.
Section 3 lists specific offences constituting atrocities, including forcing someone to eat inedible substances, denying access to water sources, sexual exploitation, and social/economic boycott, with punishment ranging from 6 months to life imprisonment depending on the offence.
Section 14 mandates the establishment of Special Courts in each district for speedy trial of offences under the Act, and Section 15A entitles victims and witnesses to protection, and to be informed about the progress of the case at every stage.
The Act also provides for relief and rehabilitation of victims, including monetary compensation as per the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, and the 2018 amendment reinstated provisions ensuring no preliminary inquiry is needed before registering an FIR, and no anticipatory bail is ordinarily available to the accused.