Explain the 'The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955'.

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 — Salient Features:

Enacted pursuant to Article 17 (originally Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955; amended 1976), the PCR Act 1955 penalizes the practice of untouchability:

• Civil Rights Defined (Section 2(a)): Any right accruing to a person by reason of the abolition of "untouchability" by Article 17.
• Specific Prohibited Offences & Punishments (Sections 3–7):
  • Section 3: Preventing entry into places of public worship (1 to 6 months imprisonment + fine).
  • Section 4: Enforcing social disabilities regarding shops, restaurants, water sources, and public paths.
  • Section 5: Refusing admission into public hospitals, educational institutions, or hostels.
  • Section 6: Refusing to sell goods or render professional services on grounds of untouchability.
• Cognizable & Summary Nature (Section 15): All offences are cognizable, tried summarily by a Judicial Magistrate First Class, with the burden of proof resting on the accused (Section 12).