Bharat Bandh: Row over SC/ST Act disrupts normal life across India

NEW DELHI: Tension gripped across the country after Dalit organisations called for a Bharat Bandh on Monday to voice their protest against the Supreme Court’s judgment of alleged dilution of the SC/ST Protection Act turned violent.

The apex court on March 20 had introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut was the most affected city. Protesters have also taken to roads in support of the strike thrashed by Police personnel in Meerut.

Internet services suspended. Stone pelting by protesters is going on and police fire in the air injuring three protesters in firing.

Section 144 imposed in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar and in parts of Gwalior.