LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Photo credit: AICC
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to review and withdraw criminal cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth following nationwide protests on 2 April 2018 against the dilution of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Mr. Gandhi posted his letter dated April 1 on his social media.
In his letter, the Opposition Leader said the protests were sparked by a court pronouncement that weakened provisions of the law meant to protect Dalits and Adivasis from discrimination and violence.
Laws can be used to protect SC/ST people from atrocities: Legal Services Authority
He noted that the law empowered “millions of Dalits and Adivasis to seek justice and protection from systemic discrimination and violence”.
Mr Gandhi recalled that 14 Dalit youths had died during the protests and said many others had been arrested and continued to face criminal charges. “Many of them are first generation students and the ongoing cases have adversely affected their education, job prospects and future,” he said.
“It is important to recall that Parliament subsequently passed an amendment to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2018, which restored the force of the Act and reaffirmed the legitimate cause for which these youth mobilized. The Supreme Court also upheld this amendment in 2020,” Gandhi said.
“In this regard, I appeal to the Government of India to take a compassionate and fair view of the matter,” he added, calling for a review of all cases registered against SC/ST youth in connection with the protests and withdrawal or cancellation of such cases.
He said the youth relief would reaffirm the country’s commitment to constitutional values, social justice and equality, and urged the prime minister to resolve the matter “sensitively and urgently”.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 23:32 IST
