Question : INTER CASTE MARRIAGE

(a) the details of the scheme of the Government to create a castless society to save those people from social harassment who opt inter-caste marriages; and

(b) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard so far?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. MANEKA GANDHI)

(a) & (b):-The Protection of Civil Rights Act,1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 have been enacted as Central legislations for prevention of any incidence of untouchability and atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Person not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe committing atrocity against a member of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is liable for punishment under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.The Central Government is implementing a scheme under which assistance is being provided to the State Governments and UT Administrations for implementation of these special legislations in an proper manner. These interventions aim at creating a casteless society and preventing any harassment to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe persons.

In the event of any person belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe who had intercaste marriage, being harassed by a person other than Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, the later is held liable for action under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. 1989.