What protections under Indian law do untouchables have?

In India, untouchables, now referred to as Scheduled Castes (SCs), are protected under various laws, most notably the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This law aims to prevent atrocities and discrimination against SCs and provides for stringent penalties for offenses committed against them. Additionally, the Indian Constitution includes provisions like Article 17, which abolishes untouchability, and Article 46, which promotes the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes. Various affirmative action measures, such as reservations in education and employment, also support their rights.