The Criminal Tribes Act and Denotified Tribes (DNTs)

 "Criminal Tribes" in India refers to over 150 communities designated as "addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offences" under the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. These communities were subjected to forced registration, surveillance, and restricted movement. Following independence, the Act was repealed in 1949 and these communities were denotified in 1952, though they continue to face social stigma today. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Historical Context: The Criminal Tribes Act

• Purpose: The British enacted the Act to control communities seen as "born criminals" or professional thieves, often targeting nomadic groups, artisans, and traders who resisted colonial authority.
• Implications: Members were restricted in their movement, forced to report to police stations, and segregated, impacting roughly 13 million people by 1947.
Targeted Groups: Various groups were listed across India, including Koli, Banjara, Bawaria, Sansi, Kanjar, and Bhantu.

Post-Independence: Denotified Tribes (DNTs)

• Repeal: The Act was replaced in 1952 with the Habitual Offenders Act, which focused on individuals rather than entire communities.
• Vimukti Diwas: August 31, 1952, is celebrated as Vimukti Diwas (Liberation Day) by these communities.
• Status Today: Today, over 300 Nomadic Tribes and nearly 200 Denotified Tribes exist in India, many of whom still face police brutality, societal discrimination, and economic marginalization. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Examples of Formerly "Criminal" Tribes

• Lodha and Kheria Sabar (West Bengal)
• Koravar, Kallar, Valayar (Tamil Nadu)
• Yerukula (Andhra Pradesh)
• Chapper-band (various regions) [1, 2, 3, 4]

These communities often face continued harassment and are often viewed with suspicion by the police and society. [1, 2]