Orissa to open special courts for ST & SC atrocities cases

Under attack for huge pendency of cases related to atrocities on scheduled tribe (ST) and scheduled caste (SC) population, Orissa government today decided to set up three special courts to expedite justice to the victims.

"Three special courts will soon be set up at different places to dispose cases registered under Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989," chief minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters after a state level high power vigilance and monitoring committee.

The state level committee's meeting was held after a gap of two years. As 2009 was an election year, the state government could not hold the meeting last year.

While directing the police to expedite probe into such cases, Patnaik said district welfare officer and the collector would be held responsible for not holding monitoring committee meeting regularly.

While the Orissa State SC & ST Youth and Students Council claimed that about 10,700 cases of atrocity on ST and SC people were pending for disposal, the state government said 614 cases were pending in courts by end of 2009.
   
While 6136 cases under SC ST PoA Act was registered in Uttar Pradesh followed by 4174 in Rajasthan, only 1355 cases could be made in Orissa, said SC & ST development and minorities minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha.

The minister, however, claimed that low disposal of atrocities cases were due to lack of special courts for the ST and SC people besides inadequate number of deputy superintendent of police rank officers in the state.
   
"We have been seeking a provision for allowing inspector rank officer to probe into the atrocities case instead of DSP rank officers," Barhia said.

This apart, the state level high power vigilance and monitoring committee also decided to launch awareness campaign among the ST and SC populations so that more cases could be registered in the state.
   
As Orissa has more than 22 per cent of ST population, the committee recommended translation of the acts into 10 major tribal dialects so that the people could be made aware of their rights, the minister said.
   
"Legal aid cells will be opened in each block to help the victims in getting support from government," the chief minister said adding awareness was the key to bringing down atrocities on the ST and SC population in the state.
   
A toll free number (155335) was also installed at the state capital to receive complaints on ST and SC atrocities, an official said adding that 37 cases were registered through free telephone facility within two days.