Bharat Bandh live news updates: We're not against Act but innocent shouldn't be punished, says SC

The Supreme Court, while hearing the submissions by the Attorney General, observed, 'We are not against the Act. Innocent should not be punished.'

In a series of tweets, BJP president Amit Shah said that the Narendra Modi government supports the rights of the Dalits and backward classes. "Through the Scheduled Castes & the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015 NDA govt has actually strengthened provisions of the Act. This was done in line with our commitment to the welfare of SC & ST communities," he wrote.

"We will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!"

We will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

Congress, which is mocking the DNA of PM @narendramodi is the same party which:
Defeated Dr. Ambedkar not once but twice.

Made flimsy excuses to ensure his portrait was not placed in Central Hall.

Denied him a Bharat Ratna. 
India has seen through their negative politics!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

"Due to the politically driven manifestations of a microscopic minority of dejected and rejected political parties, crores of innocent people suffered. These parties owe our Dalit sisters and brothers an apology for their misdeeds," writes Shah

The script is now old…before every election, the same vested interest groups start spreading panic about reservations.
BJP’s stand is clear, which I am once again stating- we fully believe in the Constitution given by Babasaheb and the rights it has given to SC/ST communities. pic.twitter.com/2hLAVG28xI

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

The script is now old…before every election, the same vested interest groups start spreading panic about reservations.
BJP’s stand is clear, which I am once again stating- we fully believe in the Constitution given by Babasaheb and the rights it has given to SC/ST communities. pic.twitter.com/2hLAVG28xI

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

"PM Narendra Modi met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the Government is doing everything to protect the rights and well-being of our Dalit sisters and brothers," tweeted Shah. 

Supreme Court begins hearing

"Right from the day the Honourable Supreme Court gave a judgment on SC/ST Atrocities Act, Central Government acted in an immediate and informed manner. An effective review petition has been filed that will protect rights of Dalits," writes Shah on Twitter.

At every juncture and in all possible ways, BJP stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits: Amit Shah

At every juncture and in all possible ways, @BJP4India stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 3, 2018

"Situation in the state is normal. Adequate police force has been deployed. Our priority is to maintain law and order in the state," said Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhuepndra Singh 

In Rajasthan, clashes ensued between protesters and police in Karauli's Hindaun city. The demonstators started pelted stones as the police lathicharged. The police fired tear gas shells inside a senior secondary school leading to 24 students falling sick. The students being given relief-aid.

"Government has filed review petition (over judgement on SC/ST Act ), I want to ask Mayawati Ji that what is the basis of such a protest before court verdict? Why does she want to promote anarchy in UP?," questions Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM KP Maurya 

Death toll in Meerut remains 2

#Correction: #BharatBandh protest death toll in Meerut remains 2. https://t.co/qb7pPMs5th

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 3, 2018

In Madhya Pradesh, a total of eight people have died so far due to violence during protests over SC/ST Protection Act. According to Gwalior SP 'curfew has been relaxed in Maharajganj, situation is under control. Curfew still imposed in four areas of the city.'

Madhya Pradesh: Total 8 people have died so far due to violence during protests over SC/ST Protection Act. SP Gwalior says 'curfew has been relaxed in Maharajganj, situation is under control. Curfew still imposed in four areas of the city.' pic.twitter.com/fvJihUFpvN

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018

Another protester from Meerut, who was injured on Monday during the clashes, has succumbed to his injuries. Total 3 protesters have died in Uttar Pradesh so far during protests over SC/ST protection act. With this, the overall death toll has reached 11

Government is committed towards rights of Dalits and their safety. Wherever Congress is in power there they are responsible for inciting people and spreading violence, said Union Minister Ananth Kumar

Opposing AG's submission, Amicus Amrendra Sharan said that law and order is the responsibility of the government. Judgement should not be stayed on the ground that law and order is not stable.

Hearing on the issue is open court is scheduled at 2 pm on Tuesday.

There's an emergency-like situation in India, said Attorney General KK Venugopal, while seeking a stay on the operation of the judgement. Citing law and order situation in the country, he told the bench that people have died and 1000's of crores property has been destroyed.

The Supreme Court agrees to open court hearing on SC/ST Act Review.

Death toll due to violence rises to 7 in Madhya Pradesh.

Internet suspended in Meerut till 2 pm as a precautionary measure

The Centre is likely to press Supreme Court for an urgent review of its March 20 ruling on the scheduled castes and tribes, saying it has led to "dilution" of some stringent provisions of law to prevent atrocities against them. Attorney General KK Venugopal would possibly mention the Centre's review petition in the top court on Tuesday for an early hearing.

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

A child died in Bihar's Hajipur while being taken to the hospital, while the son of a 68-year-old man had to put his father on his shoulder once the ambulance they were in was halted in UP's Bijnor. His sprint proved to be tragically inadequate.

Bharat Bandh takes toll on ambulances, two patients die due to shocking apathy

A 68-year-old man died after the ambulance carrying him couldn't reach the hospital on time due to Bharat Bandh protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Bijnor on Tuesday, his son lifted him on shoulders and ran towards hospital which was 1 km away, but the man was declared dead on arrival, reports ANI.

 Minor received bullet injuries during protest over SC/ST Protection Act near Ganeshpur in Haridwar's Roorkee on Monday, admitted to hospital. 

Minor received bullet injuries during protest over SC/ST Protection Act near Ganeshpur in Haridwar's Roorkee yesterday, admitted to hospital #BharatBandh #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/kJ5elL0Y0B

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018

Gopal Parmar, BJP MLA from Agar, forced shop owners to shut shutters over SC/ST Protection Act in Agar on Monday

Gopal Parmar, BJP MLA from Agar, seen forcing shop owners to close their shops during protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Agar yesterday #BharatBandh #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/aOubpB94F5

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018

Schools and colleges except those conducting board examinations will remain shut in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. According to a release from state government, schools and colleges will remain close in Agra, Hapur, Ghaziabad and Meerut. The District Magistrate of Meerut had informed that no classes will be held from Class 1 till degree college for a day on Tuesday. The board exams of class 10 and 12 along with the university exams will, however, be conducted as scheduled.