Let's Just Ask
Photo: Arvind Meghwanshi I t was 2 nd April 2018 and the day was on strike by the SC and ST communities against remark given by Honorable Supreme Court of India for bringing changes to the SC ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The court brought in new guidelines for police officers on how to ensure that innocent persons are protected from false complaints. As per the guideline no arrests can be made under the act without prior permission. It also held that a court can grant a pre-bail arrest. Before this the Act prohibits court from granting anticipatory bail to the accused in the other hand police was bound to register FIR and arrest the accused. Now, if accused, the public servant can only be arrested after the approval of the appointing authority. In case of a non-public servant the approval of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) is necessary. The apex court also made it mandatory for the police to hold a preliminary inquiry, not exceeding a week. Ironically p...