Modi govt files review petition in SC against its verdict on SC and ST Act

​New Delhi: The Central government on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its March 20 verdict on the SC & ST Act.

The Centre pleaded for a modification of the apex court judgement that a state government official cannot be automatically arrested on a complaint filed under the Act & sanction of appointing authority is must before taking such action against a public servant. 

Meanwhile, the Apex court declined an urgent hearing on a plea which sought a stay and review of its recent verdict on the Act by which certain safeguards were put in place on the automatic arrest of individuals.    

All India Federation of SC/ST organisations, a conglomerate of nearly 150 employees groups, said a large-scale nationwide violence has taken place in which several people have lost their lives and therefore the petition should be heard urgently.

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, as he appealed the political parties to ensure that no communal violence takes place in the country in the backdrop of widespread protests over the issue. 

He also dismissed the allegations as "baseless" that the NDA government was against the upliftment of the backward community.