⚖️ Important Case Laws of Dalit Atrocities in Karnataka

Incident: Seven Dalits, including women and children, were burnt alive by upper-caste men in Kambalapalli village, after a land and caste-based dispute.
Legal Action: Initial trial acquitted all accused due to lack of evidence; Karnataka High Court in 2014 overturned the acquittal and convicted 10 accused under IPC and SC/ST Act.
Significance: A landmark case for caste violence in Karnataka, exposing judicial lapses and the struggle for justice by Dalit families.

Incident: Dalits were attacked for attempting to enter the temple and perform puja during a procession in Uppinangady (Dakshina Kannada).
Legal Action: FIRs under SC/ST Atrocities Act and IPC; protests followed.
Significance: Showed the persistence of untouchability practices and denial of religious rights to Dalits in coastal Karnataka.

Incident: A Dalit youth, Surya, was allegedly murdered by dominant caste men for being in a relationship with an upper-caste girl.
Legal Action: FIR under SC/ST Act, IPC Section 302; state intervention ensured fast-track trial.
Significance: A classic case of honour killing with caste motive; highlighted caste-gender intersection.

Incident: Dalit students were made to sit separately and denied mid-day meals served by a dominant caste cook.
Legal Action: FIR filed under SC/ST Act; government ordered inquiry.
Significance: Caste discrimination in government schools brought to light; significant for Right to Education and equality.

Incidents: Several Dalit sanitation workers have died while cleaning septic tanks, most without safety gear.
Legal Action: Violations of Prohibition of Manual Scavenging Act and SC/ST Act in many cases.
Significance: Highlighted the occupational casteism and lack of enforcement of safety and dignity for Dalit workers even in urban centers.

Incident: Dalit residents denied access to public water sources and were forced to fetch water from far-off places.
Legal Action: Human rights commission took suo moto cognizance; local administration intervened.
Significance: Underscored continued structural exclusion based on caste in rural Karnataka.

📌 Common Themes in These Cases:

Theme	Description
Temple entry & public access denial	Dalits barred from entering temples or using shared wells, tanks, etc.
Violence over inter-caste relationships	Honor killings and threats when Dalits form relations with upper-caste individuals
Educational & social segregation	Discrimination in schools and public distribution systems
Manual scavenging deaths	Caste-based occupation continues despite legal bans
Judicial delay & acquittals	Many cases saw acquittals or delays before being reopened after public pressure