Protection of Civil Rights Act

An Act to prescribe punishment for the [preaching and practice of - "Untouchability"] for the enforcement of any disability arising therefrom for matters connected therewith.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:

1. This Act may be called [the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955].
2. It extends to the whole of India.
3. It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

Definitions

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, 

• [(a) "civil rights" means any right accruing to a person by reason of the abolition of "untouchability" by article 17 of the Constitution]
• [(aa)] "hotel" includes a refreshment room, a boarding house, a lodging house, a coffee house and a cafe.
• [(b)] "place" includes a house, building and other structure an premises; and also includes a tent, vehicle and vessel
• (c) "place of public entertainment" includes any place to which the public are admitted and in which an entertainment is provided or held.
• Explanation: "Entertainment" includes any exhibition, performance, game, sport and any other form of amusement.
• (d) "place of public worship" means a place, by whatever name known, which is used as a place of public religious worship or which is dedicated generally to, or is used generally by, persons professing any religion or belonging to any religious denomination or any section

Rules and Acts:

1. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Enacted in 1955 to prohibit and punish practices related to untouchability. Ensures enforcement of rights arising from the abolition of untouchability under Article 17 of the Constitution.

   Definitions:

   1. Civil Rights: Include rights accruing due to the abolition of untouchability.
   2. Places Covered: Hotels, public entertainment venues, places of worship, and water sources.

   Offenses and Punishments:

   1. Enforcing Religious Disabilities: Prohibits preventing STs from entering places of worship, offering prayers, or using sacred water sources.
   2. Violators face imprisonment or fines.

   Implementation and Impact:

   1. Upholds STs’ dignity and ensures equal access to religious places and public facilities.
   2. Reinforces constitutional commitment to equality.

https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/8384/1/civilrightsact1955.pdf

1. The Protection of Civil Rights Rules, 1977 (PCR Rules): It complements the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. These rules provide detailed guidelines for implementing the Act and ensuring STs’ rights are protected.

   Definitions:

   1. Civil Rights: These include rights arising from the abolition of untouchability under Article 17 of the Constitution.
   2. Places Covered: The rules apply to hotels, public entertainment venues, places of worship, and water sources.

   Inquiry Process under Section 10-A:

   1. The State Government appoints an officer (not below the rank of a Sub-divisional Magistrate) for inquiries related to STs’ rights.
   2. The appointed officer (inquiry officer) issues a public notice specifying the inquiry details.
   3. The inquiry follows a procedure similar to summary trials, including evidence recording.

   Petition Period under Section 10-A:

   1. Any person aggrieved by the imposition of a collective fine or the order of apportionment can file a petition within 30 days from the date of proclamation of the notification.
   2. The State Government or the specified authority may entertain the petition even after the expiry of this period if sufficient cause is shown.