PCR Act (What is it?)
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 provides the statutory framework for enforcing Article 17.
- It was originally enacted as the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955.
- It was renamed the Protection of Civil Rights Act in 1976.
- It makes the practice and enforcement of untouchability punishable.
- It seeks to ensure the enjoyment of civil rights irrespective of caste.
Key Provisions
1. Prohibition of Untouchability:
Punishes the practice and enforcement of disabilities arising from untouchability. Makes caste-based denial of civil rights a punishable offence.
2. Equal Access:
Ensures access to places of worship, shops, restaurants, hotels and public facilities. Prevents exclusion from such spaces on the basis of untouchability.
3. Civil Rights:
Protects individuals’ social, religious and civic rights without caste-based restrictions. Ensures equal participation in public and community life.
4. Promotion & Justification:
Punishes acts that promote, encourage or justify the practice of untouchability. Thus, both its practice and ideological reinforcement are addressed.
5. Legal Enforcement:
Provides penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations of Article 17. Converts the constitutional prohibition into an enforceable legal framework.
Conclusion
The Protection of Civil Rights Act converts the constitutional prohibition of untouchability into specific legal offences, strengthening the pursuit of social equality and dignity.
| This Concept has been Elaborately Discussed in the following Article: Untouchability and the Idea of ‘Purity and Pollution’ |