What Is The Full Form Of PCR In Law?

PCR full form in law is Protection of Civil Rights. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, which was initially called the Untouchability (Offences) Act of 1955, was introduced to eliminate the practice of untouchability and to enforce the rights that emerged from its abolition. This exercise of rights has been elaborated in Article 17 of the Indian Constitution.

Summary of the PCR Act:

The PCR Act has a significant role in enforcing civil rights with the enforcement of making the act of untouchability a criminal offense. It sets forth severe penalties on any person found violating the said provisions and supports affirmative actions to aid those who are affected.

Key Features and How It Works:

The PCR Act defines “civil rights” as all those rights that proceed from abolishing untouchability. The legislation specifies what constitutes acts of untouchability and lays out the penalties for engaging in or promoting such discriminatory practices. It covers a variety of violations, from denying people access to shared facilities to the selling of products or the provision of services and limiting one’s civil liberties on religious and social activities.

In 1976, significant amendments were made to the act, classifying these offenses as non-compoundable and cognizable, this means they are considered serious and warrant immediate police intervention without the need for an arrest warrant. Thus, denial of access to places of public worship, markets, hotels, and areas of entertainment is punishable with imprisonment and a fine. Similarly, refusal to admit another person to a hospital or an educational institution based on untouchability also has punishment in terms of huge fines right here in India.