Atrocities on dalits and their rights under the constitution of India and other laws

Dalits are the most neglected, marginalized, exploited and the most disadvantaged socio-economic group in India. The continuing atrocities on the Dalits, its nature and the response (or the lack of it) of the law and order machinery represents deep-rooted fault lines in our society and demands multi-faceted action as a nation. The scourge of untouchability was a blot on the Indian civilization. Despite the constitutional declaration of its abolition under Article 17 of the Constitution, progressive legislations, programmes and schemes for the development and empowerment of the dalits it persists in many subtle and not so subtle ways. It has been an unmitigated tale of prejudice, discrimination and exploitation. At stake, in the ultimate analysis, is the very integrity and survival of Indian society. Without transforming vertical inequality in society into horizontal equality, democracy will have no meaning. If the law is not in favour of disadvantaged, they will never achieve true equality of opportunity and freedom of choice. This Paper will analyze the various atrocities on Dalits & their Constitutional rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution.