Sarim Husain, Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia
ABSTRACT
Racism is a societal ill which to this day, ails many nations. Not only does it fills in the minds of people a sense of 'othering' and creates rift among them, it also fractures the fabric of harmony and peace in a society. The author has briefly tried to explain the roots of racism and the possible causes behind it. The author has succinctly highlighted the recent events of racist attacks in the past decade against African nationals and the surge in reports of discriminatory behavior against North East Indians during the pandemic. In 2014 the Bezberuah Committee was formed and submitted a report to Ministry of Home Affairs which brought in light the issue of discriminatory behavior against North East Indians living in metropolitan cities. How despite there being a clear Constitutional mandate regarding its prohibition, no separate provision exists in criminal law to help execute the same. Furthermore, India is also a part of multiple international conventions which expects its signatories to adopt and enact laws for protection against discrimination of any kind. While the problem of racism is complex and deep rooted, the author has tried to put forward some practical and basic solutions to it.
Keywords: Racial discrimination, Bezbaruah Committee, Article 14, Discriminatory behavior.
