The Protection Of Civil Rights Act

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The Protection of civil Rights Act, 1955 (No. 22 of 1955)

The practice of untouchability in Society/”>Indian Society is an attribute of the hierarchical stratification of society into castes. On the one hand, the Vedic use the term “varna” (colour) to denote caste seems to indicate that the caste system began as a result of racial differences between people. On the other, the characteristic feature of the caste system is also its categorisation of the pure and the impure based on religious beliefs and division of labour. While many authors argue that the concept of an untouchable caste did not exist in the initial stages of the caste system, at some point in history, the concept of untouchability did become “a historical cohort of the caste system, but not its essence.”

Numerous policies and laws have been made over the years to tackle the issue of untouchability. This Study attempts at studying one legislative attempt in this regard, viz., The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (PCRA). The basic difficulties of studying and improving the use of law as a tool of directed Social Change results from the fact that law by itself is the only component of a large set of policy instruments and usually cannot and is not used by itself. This caveat should be kept in mind while dealing with the problem of untouchability. The recommendations and suggestions made in this Study are solely in Light of the problems faced in the provisions and implementation of the PCRA. These recommendations will have little effect if implemented in isolation, and without the backing of other policy measures.

The following Acts are punishable under Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955:

Disability to practice Religion: Anyone who stops any person on ground of Untouchability in any of the following ways:

To enter into the place of worship where any other person of the same religion is allowed
To worship, to offer prayers or to perform any religious ceremony or offer any religious service or bath at worship place or to use water from the sacred tank, spring well or from any other source, in the same manner as any other person of same religion is allowed to do.

Such person shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast one month but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Social Disabilities: Whoever discriminates any person on the ground of Untouchability in any way such as:

Access to shop, hotel, restaurant, place of public entertainment ;
Use of utensil which are provided in the hotels, dharamshala or any other public place for the use of general public or for a specific class of people;
To practice any profession or carry out any of the occupation, business or trade;
The use of water from spring well, tank, river, stream, water taps or any water place, or stops using bathing ghat, sanitary convenience, burial or cremation ground, road, passage or other thing meant for general public.

Such person shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast one month but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Refusing Admission: Whoever on the ground of Untouchability denies a person admission or discriminates the person after admission in the following places: Hospital, Educational Institution, Hostel or any other public places.

Such person Shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast one month but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Refusing to sell goods or render service: Whoever on the ground of Untouchability refuses or discriminates a person in selling goods or in rendering Services with the same terms and conditions in which they rendered to the general public in the ordinary course of business.

Such person Shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast one month but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Compulsory Labour : Whoever compels any person to Sweep, scavenge, or to remove any carcass or to flay any animal or to remove the umbilical cord or to do any other job of a similar nature.

Such person shall be deemed to have practice “Untouchability” and shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast three months but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Other Offences : Such person shall be punishable under law who does any of the following:

Prevents any person from acquiring rights provided under Art 17 of the Constitution of India; or,
Molests, insults, boycotts30 or create an obstruction in exercising the right; or
Molests, insults, boycotts any person who has exercised his rights; or
By any manner, spoken or written encourages or incites31 any person to practice “Untouchability”; or
Insults or attempts to insult any person on the ground of “Untouchability”

Such person shall be punished with the imprisonment for the term of atleast one month but not exceeding 6 months along with the fine of atleast 100 Rs. but not more than Rs. 500.

Offences done by Company: If any person who on the behalf of the Company has practiced “Untouchability”; or ii. If the Director, Manager, Secretary or any other official of the Company would have practiced “Untouchability”.

Such person may be Director, Manager, Secretary or any other Official of the Company shall be deemed to be guilty on behalf of the Company and shall be prosecuted for the offence.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was passed by the 88th United States Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964.

The act has ten titles, which cover a variety of topics related to civil rights. The following is a list of the titles of the act, along with a brief description of each:

Title I: Voting Rights
This title prohibits discrimination in voting on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also prohibits Literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices.
Title II: Public Accommodations
This title prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters. It also prohibits discrimination in EMPLOYMENT.
Title III: Public Facilities
This title prohibits discrimination in public facilities, such as schools, libraries, and parks.
Title IV: Federally Assisted Programs
This title prohibits discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Title V: Enforcement Provisions
This title establishes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and gives it the power to enforce the provisions of the act.
Title VI: Civil Rights Commission
This title establishes the Civil Rights Commission, which is responsible for investigating and reporting on civil rights violations.
Title VII: Equal Employment Opportunity
This title prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age, disability, or genetic information.
Title VIII: Fair Housing
This title prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
Title IX: Education
This title prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of sex.
Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions
This title includes a variety of miscellaneous provisions, such as the requirement that public schools desegregate.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major step forward in the fight for Equality in the United States. It has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans, and it continues to be an important tool in the fight against discrimination.

The act has been amended several times since it was passed, most notably in 1972 with the addition of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of sex. The act has also been the subject of numerous court challenges, but it has been upheld by The Supreme Court each time.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. It has helped to create a more just and equitable society for all Americans.

What is the Civil Rights Act?

The Civil Rights Act is a law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was passed in 1964 and has been amended several times since then.

What are some examples of discrimination?

Discrimination can take many forms, including:

Refusing to hire someone because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Denying someone housing or a loan because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Treating someone differently because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

What can I do if I experience discrimination?

If you experience discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. You can also file a complaint with your state or local civil rights agency.

What are some of the benefits of the Civil Rights Act?

The Civil Rights Act has had a number of positive benefits, including:

Increased access to education and employment for minorities.
Reduced discrimination in housing and lending.
Increased political participation by minorities.
Improved race relations in the United States.

What are some of the challenges of the Civil Rights Act?

The Civil Rights Act has also faced a number of challenges, including:

Enforcement of the law has been uneven.
Some people have resisted the law’s provisions.
The law has been criticized for being too broad or too narrow.

What is the future of the Civil Rights Act?

The Civil Rights Act is an important part of American history and continues to be a vital tool for protecting the rights of all Americans. The law has faced challenges over the years, but it remains a powerful force for equality.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of African Americans following the Civil War.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of African Americans following the Civil War.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of African Americans to vote.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of people with disabilities.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of African Americans following the Civil War.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was passed by Congress to:
(A) ensure that Women are paid the same as men for doing the same work.
(B) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was passed by Congress to:
(A) prohibit discrimination on the basis of age.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of people with disabilities.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 was passed by Congress to:
(A) prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 was passed by Congress to:
(A) protect the rights of people with disabilities.
(B) ensure that all citizens have equal protection under the law.
(C) end segregation in public schools and other public facilities.
(D) prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.