Atrocious Face of Caste – Based on Tamil Nadu’s True Incident

The article 'Atrocious Face of Caste – Based on Tamil Nadu’s True Incident' by Nivetha Selvam is an expression of sorrow about the discrimination based on the caste system and it is creating obstacles in achieving the dreams of our architect of the Constitution. This has affected the lives of people in a negative way to a greater extent.

Introduction: Article 17 of Indian Constitution

Article 17 of our Indian constitution says that: Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability” shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law. Even after 75 years of independence people of India are facing horrible caste atrocities. Over 200 million Dalits, who comprise nearly 18% of India’s population, face the threat of such violence daily. On the 24th of December 2022, the atrocities against the Dalits came to light in Pudukottai's Vengaivayal village. When the authorities recently visited the village to inquire into the complaint that human faeces were thrown in a water tank used by the Dalits and polluted it. The children and women have been severely affected by drinking that polluted and contaminated water and were admitted to the nearby hospital.

After this cruel act done by the caste Hindus belonging to the village, there was no action taken regarding the arrest of the suspicious members. Continuously there has been lethargic action seen by the concerned authorities. A temporary restoration was made for daily water usage and those people are spending their own money to buy water for drinking purposes. More than the health issue all the caste atrocities will deeply affect the psychological health of the survivors. The aftermath of this caste brutality will make the caste Hindus mock those victims if no action is going to be taken against the offenders.

The Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for SCs/ST’s commission and retired HC Judge P R Shiva Kumar, in a statement, said they have sought a detailed report, action taken report and measures taken to prevent such atrocities in the future from the district collector and SP. The report was asked to be submitted on or before January 31, 2023. Other than that no stern action was taken regarding this brutality. No legislative members of the state visited the victims.

Change can be brought through the proper implementation of Laws

Law is the only weapon through which we can seek justice. The SC/ST (PoA) Amendment Act has adequate provisions which, if used judiciously by law enforcement, will go a long way in reducing caste-based atrocities, which are preventable if administrations make sincere attempts. The 81 cases of caste-based atrocities during the lockdown in Tamil Nadu recorded by the study have been dealt with only as common crimes. what should these people do to be treated equally? These various inhumane treatments by this caste society made people belonging to schedule caste and schedule tribes fed up and give up on the idea of equality.

Conclusion

The father of our Indian constitution Dr B.R Ambedkar dreamt of modern India free from caste inequality and still, it remains an unfinished hope. And how many lives will these casteist states take to let us taste our right - equality? The only water tank used by the victim people of that village. After the continuous efforts of many human rights activists, the survivors were given a proper bed in the hospital during treatment. So, a stern step must be taken by the authorized head of the country.

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