Untouchability in India

Although 'Untouchability' is constitutionally abolished and its practice in any form is an offence, punishable under the relevant law, it is still prevailing, more or less, throughout the country. Law is no doubt an effective instrument of social change, but so far as the abolition of Untouchability is concerned, it has virtually failed. The author inquires as to why it could not be successful. The problem of eradication of Untouchability has been viewed here from the politico-legal point of view.

In this book an attempt has been made to define the offence of Untouchability with all its concomitant ingredients in the light of obser vations made by various authorities. Certain pertinent points like mens rea, consent, religi ous conversions, criteria of enlisting certain castes as Scheduled castes etc. are adequately discussed. Almost all the laws which aimed at the removal of Untouchability, including the relevant provisions in the Constitution of India, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and such other Statutes are viewed in their real spirit and perspective, so as to know the inadequacies, defects or ambiguities, in those laws, in the light of interpretations given by various courts and other eminent authorities on the subject.

The book deals with the working of the law of Untouchability at the administrative, police and judicial level. It takes into account their organi zation, their modus operandi and the roles played by them in the abolition of Untoucha bility. The author presents a critical appraisal of various committees, commissions and voluntary organizations working in this field. The book contains the information regarding the various special measures, such as, legal aid, appointment of officers, special courts, com mittees, periodic surveys and identification of the Untouchability prone areas, that are to be adopted under the PCRA by various States and Union Territories of India in order to enable the victims of Untouchability to protect their 'Civil-rights'. Finally, the conclusions are sta ted in brief, alongwith suggestions.

This outstanding book will be of great interest to legislators, socio-religious reformers, politi cal leaders, advocates, jurists, police officials and administrators. Teachers and scholars of political science, sociology and law will find this book of great use.