Judgment in Venkatayapalem Dalit tonsuring case merely notional
There is no justifiable reason for the lenient approach the court took in deciding the sentence. The accused, ten in number, have managed to prolong the case for 28 years owing to the social, economic and political clout they hold. Their caste background played the key role in ensuring the support of all the political parties in the state. We demand that the State file an appeal in the High Court for increasing the duration of the punishment. If the victims decide to file a private appeal, the HRF will ensure all the cooperation required.
