| The Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955, abolishes untouchability and aims to prevent caste-based discrimination in any form. |
- The government informed Parliament that Adivasis are included as persons professing the Hindu religion under the Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955.
- The Law Minister explained that various Acts, Protection of Civil Rights, define ‘Hindu’.
- According to the explanation in Section 3 of the Act
- Individuals who profess the Buddhist, Sikh, or Jaina religions
- Individuals of various forms including Virashaivas, Lingayats and Adivasis.
- Followers of Brahmo, Prarthana, Arya Samaj, and the Swaminarayan Sampraday—are considered Hindus.
Dig Deeper: Read about Constitutional Provisions for Schedules Tribes in general.
