In Pursuit of Dignity: A Dalit Experience of Caste Atrocities in Kerala

Abstract

This article delves into the lived experience of Dalits in seeking justice under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Based on a case study of caste discrimination and humiliation of a Dalit child in a school in Idiyanpara (pseudonym), Kerala, it explores the real-time experiences and challenges of Dalits at the grassroots level in pursuing a case under the Act. Drawing on primary data collected through personal narratives of the victims in the case and in-depth interviews with the other stakeholders involved, this article explores the practical impediments in ensuring justice under the ambit of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the role of external factors that limit its effective implementation. It further analyses the major loopholes in the Act and other intricacies in pursuing legal justice in cases of overt or covert caste discrimination that are otherwise understated or underdiscussed. The article, based on a case analysis, finds that the effective implementation of the Act from a Dalit perspective is marred by structural and institutional constraints that are still overlooked. The finding also shows that the struggle of Dalits for justice under the Act largely remains neglected by the system based on prejudices and is increasingly overshadowed by patronizing victims through local support, hegemonic media narratives, police benevolence and judicial interpretations.