While members belonging to certain de-notified tribes even now complain about being branded “criminals” by the police, it is worthwhile to note that the Madras State had as early as 1947 repealed the Criminal Tribes Act, 1924, in the province, showing the way for the rest of the country.
Under the British-era law, members of certain communities in different parts of the country, including Madras, were declared as belonging to the “criminal tribes”. In Tamil Nadu, those classified as “criminal tribes” included members of the communities of Korawas (Kuravar), Kallars, Ambalgars, Lambadis, Irulars, Dasaris, Kaladis, Maravars, Karumbaravas, Thottia Naicks, and Vettaikarans. However, in January 1947, a Bill to exclude the Province of Madras from the operation of the Criminal Tribes Act was introduced under proviso 73 of the Madras Assembly Rules. The Statements of Objects and Reasons of the Bill noted that several representations were received by the government for the repeal of the Act in the province.
