The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 came into force today. The Act has more stringent provisions for prevention of atrocities against SCs and STs. President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to the bill on 31st of last month which was notified on 1st of this month.<br/><br/>The key features of the amended law include new offences like tonsuring of head, or similar acts which are derogatory to the dignity of SCs and STs, garlanding with chappals, using or permitting manual scavenging, abusing in caste name, imposing social or economic boycott. <br/><br/>Exclusive Special Courts will be established for the expeditious disposal of cases. The law also defines 'wilful negligence' and dereliction of duty of public servants at all levels.