Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], Apr 2 (NT): Amidst the ongoing protests in opposition to the Supreme Court's verdict on the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Act, protesters on Monday interrupted rail traffic in Odisha's Sambalpur as ANI reported.

Various Dalit organizations called for a nationwide blackout or Shutdown to protest against the recent amendments under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

In addition, the Union Government decided to file a review petition before the Supreme Court on Today, challenging its verdict banning automatic arrest and registration of cases for alleged harassment of SCs and STs.

"Review petition by the Government against the SC judgement on SC/ST Protection Act shall be filed positively tomorrow, April 2," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Government declared that transport and mobile Internet services would be suspended during the bandh. All educational institutions would also remain Shut.

The apex court on March 20 had introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

During Bharat bandh over SC/ST protection act, Protesters stopped the train in Punjab's Patiala. In Bihar also Protesters disrupted rail traffic   Patna Junction.