Bihar Minister Issues Caution on SC/ST Act Misuse Amid Darbhanga Incident
In a significant development from Bihar, Rural Works Department Minister Ashok Choudhary, a senior JD(U) leader, has raised concerns over the potential misuse of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This warning comes in response to a recent case in Darbhanga where police have booked 70 individuals from the Brahmin community under the SC/ST Act, following allegations of an attack on members of the Scheduled Caste community.
Details of the Darbhanga Case and Minister's Statement
The incident unfolded in Harinagar village under the Kusheshwar Sthan police station. According to police reports, the case stems from a dispute over pending wages dating back to 2015. Kailash Paswan, a mason from the SC community, had been involved in constructing a house for the sister of Hemkant Jha in Kerala and was seeking around Rs 2.47 lakh in unpaid dues.
On January 29, when Hemkant Jha's sister and brother-in-law visited Harinagar, Kailash Paswan allegedly stopped their car to demand the pending amount. Srinath Jha intervened, helping them leave the village safely. The next day, Kailash reportedly assaulted Srinath, and Hemkant Jha also claimed to have been roughed up by Kailash and others. Initially, a case was filed under bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) due to non-serious injuries.
However, on January 31, the situation escalated when over 150 people from Brahmin settlements allegedly attacked the house of Kailash Paswan and his brothers, injuring more than a dozen individuals with blunt objects. Nine victims required admission to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. In response, the Kusheshwar Sthan police booked 70 people under the SC/ST Act and BNS provisions, with Hemkant Jha among the accused. Police have arrested 12 of the 70 individuals so far.
Minister Ashok Choudhary, who hails from an SC community, emphasized the importance of not misusing protective laws. He stated, "The SC/ST Act must not be misused. Whether it is the SC/ST Act or the Dowry Act, they are very often misused. These Acts were made for the protection of Dalits and women. If the SC/ST Act is misused, Dalits will lose sympathy, and social camaraderie will be affected."
Police Clarification and Broader Implications
Biraul Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prabhakar Tiwari clarified that the police action was based on a primary investigation and should not be viewed through a caste lens. He noted, "Harinagar village has over 2,500 Brahmins and barely 60-70 Paswans. We have not booked the entire village. We have lodged the case on the basis of primary investigation, and no caste angle should be attached to it."
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in rural Bihar and raises critical questions about the application of laws designed to protect marginalized communities. The minister's warning underscores the delicate balance between enforcing legal protections and preventing their exploitation, which could potentially harm social cohesion and trust among different community groups.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urged to handle the case with sensitivity to ensure justice while maintaining peace in the region. The broader discourse around the SC/ST Act's implementation remains a pivotal issue in Indian society, affecting legal, social, and political dynamics across the country.
