The Hindu

• Dakshina Kannada Police have stopped using the word 
• The move follows a recent Supreme Court observation
• People told to lodge complaints in cases of accident, atrocity

Mangalore, Feb 25: Earlier the word used to be “Harijan”. Following an observation made in a Supreme Court judgment, the axe is all set to fall on the use of the word “Dalit” in referring to people belonging to Scheduled Castes. Taking a cue from the court’s observation, Dakshina Kannada district police officials have decided not to use this word rather than wait for a Government Order.

Speaking at the monthly meeting with representatives of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) people here on Sunday, Additional Superintendent of Police B.S. Lokesh Kumar said: “The district police authorities have decided not to use “Dalit” in their future correspondence. We have issued directions to all police stations in this regard. Non-compliance will be sternly dealt with.”

Reasoning

The district police, taking note of a departmental directive issued by nodal officer for SCs/STs Subash Bharani, have banned the use of the word “Harijan”. “People should rethink about using the word Dalit while referring to organisations representing them. The word is demeaning the people belonging to these communities,” he said.

Referring to a complaint from N.K. Salian of Moodbidri about “boota kola vesha” in public functions, Mr. Kumar said the department had instructed police stations to prevent such functions from being organised. “But we cannot ban these programmes. It is a livelihood for many people,” he said and added that creating awareness among organisers of these events and the artistes was the only way out.

‘Do not compromise’

When Gopal Kadumatt, member, District Legal Services Authority, drew the attention of the authorities on an alleged atrocity of a Dalit woman and a reported attempt of some leaders at bringing about a compromise through negotiations, Mr. Kumar said a complaint should be lodged. Referring to the tendency of people to take compromise-route in cases of accidents, Mr. Kumar said that complaints should be lodged with the police. Otherwise, the victims might be deprived of adequate compensation. “There is an established mechanism to ensure that the victims get legal and insurance-related benefits,” he added.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmaiah and Panambur Assistant Superintendent of Police Kaushlendra Kumar were present.