Chhatisgarh (Raipur) [India] Apr 17(NT): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday asserted that the state government will file the petition against the verdict of the Supreme Court on the SC/ST protection Act.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has always been aware towards the cause of SCs and STs.

"We have always been sensitive towards SCs & STs. The state government, just like Centre, will appeal against the decision of Supreme Court. Till then the order (to strictly implement the Supreme Court order) by Police headquarters stands cancelled," Singh Singh told media reporters.

The Police Headquarters on April 6 had issued a circular urging the police to put into practice of the Supreme Court's order rigorously.

The order was before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state to give surety to the nation that his government will not permit the dilution of the Act which seeks to deliver immediate justice to marginalized section of the society.

The top court, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the Act while issuing order that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

The verdict led to a hue and cry amongst the SC/ST people who made allegations that the Act has been diluted.

The Centre, on April 3, filed a review petition against the verdict which went in abortive as the top court refused to stay its order and asked all parties to submit comprehensive replies.