A S Kumari, chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women, released a book ‘Castebased sexual violence and state impunity’ by handing over a copy to rights activist Manjula Pradeep
MADURAI: A new policy should be formulated to identify the gaps in taking remedial
measures pertaining to the criminal justice system to avoid delay in registration of FIRs,
filing chargesheets and providing compensation to the victims of caste atrocities, executive
director of NGO Evidence, A Kathir has said.
The NGO organised a public hearing on caste atrocities and discrimination on dalit women
here on Saturday. Kathir said that as many as 15 cases of caste-based violence especially
sexual harassment cases reported across the state were discussed during the hearing. The
victims shared their experiences about the atrocities which they faced.
He said that the main objective of organising such public hearings is to get the feedback
from the victims in an attempt to strengthen the criminal justice system and to render
justice to the victims.
Kathir said that recommendations would be sent to the state government with regard to
increasing the conviction rate in the cases registered under Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, to strengthen the procedure of arrest, to
avoid delay in providing compensation to the victims, to strengthen the criminal justice
system to render speedy justice to the victims and to ensure protection and rehabilitation
to the victims.
Earlier, Kathir presented a cash award of Rs1 lakh to Mahalakshmi, a teacher, who played a
vital role in bringing more tribal children to schools at Javvadu hills in Tiruvannamalai
district.
Chairperson of Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women A S Kumari released a book titled
‘Caste Based Sexual Violence and State Impunity’.
MADURAI: In a public hearing hosted by an NGO, Evidence, on caste atrocities and discrimination against dalit women, 16 representatives from persons who were subjected to rape described how the violence was held, their current position and their demands to a panel comprising Dalit Human Right Defenders Network President Manjula Pradeep, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Advocate Alagumani, Writer Jayarani, Journalist Senthilvel and Loyola College Professor Semmalar. The representatives appealed to the panel to initiate job opportunities for the survivors.
“Out of the 16, more cases are from Pudukottai. Survivors need to be supported by family and society through compassion, They need to continue their education, jobs by proper rehabilitation,” said Tamil Nadu Women Commission Chairperson AS Kumari, who convened the meeting.
While hearing the cases, National Dalit Human Right Defenders Network President Manjula Pradeep asked whether the practice of two-finger test exists during medical check-up, and asked workers to ensure its ban. “There should be a medical check-up immediately along with psychological counselling after the incident,” she said.
Vijayakumar from Pudukkottai said he, his pregnant wife and their two children were attacked by caste-hindu men when they were travelling in a bike. “They humiliated us by spitting pan parag. When we questioned them, we were attacked. After a long battle, the men were booked under SC/ST Atrocities Act,” he said, adding that the accused is still issuing threats.
In Madurai, Alagarsamy from Sikkendar chavadi area said his son was murdered by caste hindus for fighting against Ganja peddling. “I am looking after my son’s wife and their three-month-old granddaughter despite the threats from the accused side. Police refused to accept my complaint,” he said, seeking the panel to give protection to his family. AS Kumari assured him that she will talk to the SP and ensure his protection.
Executive Director of Evidence, Kathir said this was the 32nd public hearing organised by the group in a span of 16 years. “So far, 3,500 cases were filed and Rs 12 crore compensation was given by the government to the survivors. However, the conviction rate in the State is at just 7%. However, States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are acting progressively for ensuring social justice”, he said.
Earlier in the day, National Level Report titled on ‘Caste Based Sexual Violence and State Impunity’ was released by AS Kumari.
The public hearing on caste atrocities and discrimination against Dalits being held in Madurai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY
Cases of atrocities against them were taken up before a panel comprising writers, activists, advocates and faculty
The need of the hour is to build confidence among Dalits, said Manjula Pradeep, National Convenor and Director of Campaigns for National Council of Leaders and Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network (NCL and DHRDN), from Gujarat.
She was speaking at a public hearing on atrocities against Dalits on Saturday. Evidence, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Madurai, had organised the hearing. About 15 cases of atrocities against Dalits, reported across police stations in Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Madurai and other districts in Tamil Nadu, were taken up in the presence of a panel comprising writers, activists, advocates and faculty associates from academic institutions.
Ms. Pradeep claimed that crimes against persons from the scheduled castes (SCs) were on the rise in BJP-ruled States. Police personnel in these States were hand in glove with the accused, who represented a dominant community. In such challenging situations, the Dalits had to rise up intelligently and strategically. among themselves.
The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women chairperson A.S. Kumari said more petitions had been received from rural parts of Tamil Nadu, which, she said, reflected that women were aware of their rights and responsibilities even if they were not academically qualified. She also urged women in urban areas to come forward and submit their grievances with the Commission, and promised redress.
In his opening remarks, A. Kathir, executive director of Evidence, said in the last 15 years, they had conducted 31 public hearings and taken up 3,500 cases across Tamil Nadu.
The objective of the hearing was to understand the plight and mental agony of the victims and their families. The idea of the public hearing was not to hurt or harm any person nor was it against the government. The Dalits, who had undergone humiliation in the hands of different stakeholders in the society, should have an opportunity to talk about their experiences. This would be a good beginning and learning experience to other weaker sections.
The panel members appreciated a few of the victims and their family members for tackling crises efficiently, which had enabled the police to book cases immediately and arrest the accused.
They wanted the judiciary to quickly expedite cases as it would discourage the offenders from indulging in violations repeatedly. The conviction rate was just 5-7 % in Tamil Nadu.
Evidence presented ₹1 lakh to Mahalakshmi, a teacher, who has been working for the upliftment of tribal children in Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai, since 2006. The teacher, in her acceptance speech, thanked the NGO for its timely intervention.
Ms. Mahalakshmi, popular in social media, had been instrumental in enrolling more children from the tribal community in the school, speakers said. Recently, children from the government school appealed to the Tiruvannamalai Collector to upgrade their school as higher secondary school. The news made headlines and drew the attention of the policy makers, they added. A booklet on caste-based sexual violence and state impunity was released on the occasion.
Date: 10.09.2022
Date: 27.08.2022