The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

This Act prescribes punishment for the preaching and practice of "untouchability" and for the enforcement of any disability arising therefrom. The Act extends to the whole of India and comes into force on a date specified by the Central Government.

Key Provisions:

1. Short title, extent and commencement


2. Definitions


3. Punishment for enforcing religious disabilities


4. Punishment for enforcing social disabilities


5. Punishment for refusing to admit person to hospitals, etc.


6. Punishment for refusing to sell goods or render services


7. Punishment for other offences arising out of "untouchability"


8. Cancelling or suspending licences in certain cases


9. Resumption or suspension of grants made by Government


10. Abetment of offence


11. Enhanced penalty on subsequent conviction


12. Presumption by Courts in certain cases


13. Limitation of jurisdiction of Civil Courts


14. Offences by companies


15. Protection of action taken in good faith


16. Offences to be cognizable and triable summarily


17. Duty of State Government to ensure that the rights accruing from the abolition of "untouchability" may be availed of by the concerned persons


18. Act to override other laws


19. Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, not to apply to persons above the age of fourteen years


20. Power to make rules

Extensions:

The Act extends to Goa, Daman and Diu with modifications, Dadra and Nagar Haveli by regulation 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Schedule I (w.e.f. 1st July, 1965), and Pondicherry by regulation 7 of 1963, s. 3 and Schedule I (w.e.f. 1st October, 1963).