The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (TNSCST) has initiated suo motu proceedings against Kovai Sathyan, national spokesperson and IT-wing head of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).The move comes after Sathyan allegedly made a derogatory statement targeting members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities during a televised debate in Chennai on October 29, when the discussion focused on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India.
In its release, the Commission stated that Sathyan’s remark was directed at SC/ST persons and therefore falls under the ambit of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
As a result, a case has been registered against him under the Act and legal action is underway. The TNSCST has also demanded a detailed inquiry report by November 10.
The development highlights the sensitivity and legal implications of public discourse involving caste-subjects in Tamil Nadu. By intervening suo motu, the Commission underscores its role in safeguarding the dignity and rights of SC/ST communities.