The SC/ST Act controversy has taken a sharp political turn after suspended Bareilly Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri issued a strong warning to the Central government, demanding the abolition of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 by February 6. His remarks, delivered during interactions with the media, have triggered widespread debate across political, administrative, and social circles, drawing national attention to the sensitive issue of caste-based legislation and its alleged misuse.

Speaking from Bareilly, Alankar Agnihotri asserted that while recent developments such as the Supreme Court stay on the UGC Regulations 2026 have been welcomed by him, they do not address what he described as the “bigger issue” — the continued existence of the SC/ST Act. According to him, failure to repeal the law by the specified deadline would lead to a mass movement aimed at uprooting the government at the Centre.

February 6 ultimatum and strong political warning

At the heart of the current Alankar Agnihotri latest news is his firm ultimatum. He stated that February 6 is the final deadline for the repeal of the SC/ST Act, after which, he warned, the Central government would face severe public backlash. Using dramatic language, Agnihotri claimed that the government would be “put on a chartered plane and sent back to Gujarat,” a remark that has since sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum.

This statement has positioned Agnihotri at the centre of the SC/ST Act abolition demand, an issue that has long been contentious in Indian politics. While the Act was enacted to protect marginalised communities from atrocities and systemic discrimination, critics have occasionally alleged misuse of its provisions. Agnihotri’s comments have revived this debate, but his confrontational tone has also raised concerns about social harmony and constitutional propriety.

Shift of focus from state to Centre

When questioned about why his protest now targets the Central government instead of the state administration, Agnihotri clarified that his struggle was never truly against the state. According to him, the Central government SC/ST Act news reflects deeper issues of governance and policy-making that directly impact states.

He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were discriminating against the state government in a bid to destabilise it. Agnihotri claimed that the state administration is functioning under immense pressure due to actions taken by the Centre, a charge that has not been officially responded to by the Union government.

These allegations have added a federal dimension to the SC/ST Act controversy India, framing it not just as a social or legal issue, but also as a political confrontation between different levels of governance.

Meeting in Varanasi and Sanatan culture remarks

Agnihotri’s remarks followed his visit to Varanasi, where he met Swami Avimukteshwaranand on Sunday night. The meeting, according to him, was aimed at discussing future steps and building a broader movement. He said that his actions were guided by concerns over what he described as the insult of Sanatan culture.

Referring to his resignation, Agnihotri stated that witnessing symbols of Sanatan culture being disrespected during the Shankaracharya’s ritual bath at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj compelled him to step down from his post. This incident had earlier placed him in the media spotlight and continues to shape public perception of his motivations.

Allegations of fund diversion and administrative pressure

In another serious allegation, Agnihotri claimed that arrangements were being made to divert state funds to Gujarat, suggesting financial discrimination against the state. While no evidence was publicly presented to support this claim, the statement has intensified political debate and drawn reactions from opposition leaders who have demanded clarification.

Such remarks have further complicated the narrative around the Bareilly Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri news, positioning his statements at the intersection of administrative dissent, cultural identity, and political confrontation.

UGC Regulations 2026 and caste-based provisions

A significant part of Agnihotri’s argument revolves around the UGC Regulations 2026 stay news. After the Supreme Court stayed the new University Grants Commission regulations on January 29, Agnihotri described the decision as necessary but insufficient. According to him, the institutional use of caste-based discrimination clauses in education has created a climate of fear and injustice.

He warned that misuse of such provisions could lead to severe social consequences, including internal unrest. Speaking to ANI, he argued that caste-based discrimination should never be used as an institutional tool, but should remain confined to appropriate legal and social discourse.

Allegations of misuse and social impact

Agnihotri alleged that provisions related to caste discrimination are increasingly being treated as self-inflicted crimes, where families are targeted irrespective of merit. In a controversial statement, he claimed that individuals excelling in academics are falsely accused, leading to exploitation of salaries and harassment of families.

He further warned of extreme psychological and social pressure on women in academic institutions, suggesting that daughters and daughters-in-law are particularly vulnerable under what he described as an exploitative system. These remarks have drawn criticism from several quarters, with many arguing that such statements trivialise genuine cases of discrimination and violence faced by marginalised communities.

Political and social reactions

The SC ST Act repeal protest rhetoric has prompted sharp reactions from political leaders, legal experts, and civil society groups. Supporters of the Act argue that it remains a crucial legal safeguard for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who continue to face discrimination and violence. They caution that calls for abolition without comprehensive review risk undermining constitutional protections.

On the other hand, some voices have echoed concerns about alleged misuse, calling for reforms rather than outright repeal. This divergence of views highlights the complexity of the issue and the challenge faced by policymakers in balancing social justice with due process.

Broader implications of the controversy

The ongoing debate surrounding Alankar Agnihotri SC/ST Act statement underscores the deep sensitivities involved in caste-related legislation in India. Laws like the SC/ST Act are not merely legal instruments but symbols of the country’s commitment to equality and social justice. Any challenge to them inevitably triggers intense political and emotional responses.

Agnihotri’s ultimatum has also raised questions about the role of civil servants, suspended or otherwise, in political mobilisation. His statements blur the lines between administrative dissent and political activism, prompting discussions on accountability, freedom of expression, and constitutional limits.

Looking ahead

As February 6 approaches, attention will remain focused on how the Central government responds to the growing rhetoric around the SC/ST Act controversy. While no official indication of repeal has been given, the episode has already succeeded in reigniting national debate on caste, law, and governance.

Whether this controversy leads to policy review, political confrontation, or broader social dialogue remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the statements made by Alankar Agnihotri have ensured that the SC/ST Act abolition demand remains firmly in the spotlight, shaping discussions well beyond Bareilly and into the national political arena.

In the evolving landscape of Top News Headlines SC ST Act, this episode stands out as a reminder of how deeply intertwined law, politics, and social identity remain in India’s democratic discourse.

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