Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the withdrawal of cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth who took part in the nationwide protests on April 2, 2018 against the dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

In his letter dated April 1, Rahul said 14 Dalit youths died during the protests and called for a review of the cases registered in their aftermath.

"I write to request the withdrawal of cases filed against Dalit and Adivasi youth on April 2, 2018, during the nationwide protests against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," the Congress leader wrote to Modi.

The protests had erupted across several states following a judicial pronouncement that activists said weakened provisions of the SC/ST Act, which provides safeguards against caste-based violence.

Parliament later passed the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018, restoring the provisions, and the Supreme Court upheld the amendment in 2020.

Rahul said the law had emerged from a long public movement.

"This law was born from a sustained people's movement to dismantle the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. It gave victims the courage to come forward and seek justice. The protests on April 2nd also reflected rising instances of violence and discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis. The young protesters were exercising their Constitutional right to demand justice, equality, and dignity," he said.

He also raised concerns over the cases filed after the protests.

"After the protests, many innocent youth were arrested. They continue to face criminal charges. Many of them are first-generation learners, and the pending cases have adversely affected their education, job prospects, and futures," he said.

The Congress leader urged the government to review and withdraw the cases.

"In this context, I urge the Government of India to take a compassionate and just view of the matter and: Review all cases registered against SC/ST youth in connection with the April 2nd, 2018 protests 2. Withdraw or quash all the cases. and 3. Ensure that innocent youth are freed from the burden of prolonged legal proceedings," he said.

"As a nation committed to Constitutional values, social justice, and equality, we bear a collective responsibility to ensure that those who have historically faced injustice are not further burdened. Extending relief to these young citizens will reaffirm our shared commitment to Constitutional values, social justice, and the dignity of every Indian," he said.

"I urge you to personally resolve this important issue with sensitivity and urgency," Rahul added.

Sharing the letter on X, the Congress leader wrote in Hindi: "Eight years ago, lakhs of Dalit-Adivasi youth staged protests against the weakening of the SC/ST Act, in which many were arrested. Parliament strengthened the law, but even today, innocent youth are bearing the burden of these cases."

"A strong SC/ST Act is their right, and peaceful protest is their entitlement. Today, we have urged the Prime Minister to withdraw all these cases with a sensitive and just perspective," he said.