It is illegal to take over any land that is owned or controlled by, or allotted to any SC/ST member as well as forcing an SC/ST member to leave her home, unless it is done legally.
The takeover of the property is considered illegal if it is done
- without the agreement of the victim, or
- by threatening her or someone connected to her, or
- by making false records.
It is also a crime to similarly illegally deprive an SC/ST member of his property, or to prevent him from exercising his rights over any land. This includes:
- Blocking an SC/ST member from accessing any forest rights under the Forest Rights Act.
- Blocking rights to any water source or irrigation source.
- Destroying or taking away crops.
You can face imprisonment of a term of 6 months to 7 years for using fire or bombs to damage homes, religious places and/or property belonging to SC/ST members. You can report such crimes.
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