Fragile Hope

Sandhya Fuchs's "Fragile Hope" delves into the complexities of India's Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, examining its impact on Dalit communities in Rajasthan.

The book challenges conventional understandings of hate crime law success, arguing that its effectiveness lies not solely in conviction rates but in the ways survivors creatively engage with the legal system.

Fuchs highlights the resilience and agency of Dalit communities in navigating legal processes, despite systemic obstacles.

The narrative underscores the importance of understanding the lived experiences of survivors and the nuanced ways they seek justice.

The book ultimately advocates for a re-evaluation of hate crime legislation, emphasizing the significance of meliorism—the belief that persistent effort can gradually improve oppressive conditions.