Former CJI BR Gavai says Parliament, not courts, should amend SC/ST Act to curb misuse

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has weighed in on the debate over misuse of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, acknowledging that provisions of the "benevolent" law are being exploited by miscreants. Speaking on a news channel, Gavai drew parallels with the Domestic Violence Act, noting that protective laws often face misuse despite their noble intent to safeguard vulnerable communities.

However, Gavai emphasized that amending the SC/ST Act to prevent such abuse falls squarely within Parliament's domain, not the judiciary's. The former CJI's remarks come as public discourse intensifies around the Act's application, particularly following the Modi government's decision to make it more stringent. This debate also follows the recent death of Sahil Wakode, which has reignited concerns about the Act's misuse.