What protections exist against caste discrimination?

SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act provides special protection against caste-based violence and discrimination. Offences are non-bailable with mandatory FIR registration.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a comprehensive law to prevent atrocities against SC/ST communities. It covers offences like forcing consumption of noxious substances, dumping waste on their premises, parading naked, wrongful dispossession of land, sexual exploitation, denial of water sources, intimidation, social or economic boycott, and insults based on caste. All offences under this Act are cognizable (FIR is mandatory), non-bailable, and non-compoundable. Special courts are set up for speedy trial. Victims are entitled to compensation under the government scheme. Article 17 abolishes untouchability, and Article 15 prohibits caste-based discrimination by the State.

• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act — Section 3
• Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability)
• Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of caste)