The order which allegedly weakened a stringent law to protect Dalits against atrocities, is a necessary "safeguard", the Supreme Court said today. "Our aim is to protect innocents we have not diluted the law in any manner," said the court, refusing to freeze its earlier verdict that stopped immediate arrest of an accused under the law. The March 20 order had been at the heart of Dalit protests that swept through five states yesterday and cost 9 lives. Dalit groups said the order weakened a law that was meant for their protection.
