Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai directs steps for speedy disposal of cases involving atrocities against SCs, STs

Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraja Bommai on Monday directed officials to take immediate steps towards speedy disposal of cases involving atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs) that are pending before courts..CM Bommai was chairing a meeting of the State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, one of the committees formulated under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, at Vidhana Soudha today..During the meeting, he directed the Principal Secretary of Social Welfare to personally coordinate with Home and Law Departments to ensure there is no delay in Investigation, filing of charge sheets and prosecution of cases. It was discussed that an Additional Advocate General would oversee the entire process.He also directed officials to take steps to increase the conviction rate in cases related to atrocities against SCs and STs..The CM also underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of complainants as well as witnesses in cases related to SCs and STs. He advised that in sensitive cases, the police must afford these persons protection when they go to court.The Chief Minister also directed strict action against those who submit fake caste certificates and those who issue such certificates..This apart, the concerned departments were directed take steps to make amendments to the rules to increase the time limit for applying for government jobs under compassionate grounds for relatives of victims who died due to atrocities against them. .Additionally, the Chief Minister also told the officials to give priority to education, employment and empowerment of persons belonging to the SC/ST communities and to implement their welfare programmes in a time-bound manner. .A petition seeking the proper implementation of the the 1989 Act is currently pending before the Karnataka High Court..In the last two years, out of 1,787 cases of acquittal under the 1989 Act, only 85 were forwarded for appeal, the Karnataka government told the Karnataka High Court in March this year. ."Out of 1,787 cases of acquittal under SC/ST Act in last two years, only 85 forwarded for appeal:" Karnataka Govt informs Karnataka High Court