Centre considering amending laws to prevent atrocities over dalits

New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) Concerned over the incidents of atrocities over dalits in various parts of the country, the Centre is considering amending laws and constituting more special courts to prevent them.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil assured the states at the Inter-State Council Meeting here that the Centre would amend laws, use forces more effectively and sensitise officials to prevent the incidents of atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe. However, he asked the states to fully cooperate and see that no atrocities were committed on dalits, official sources said today briefing on the deliberations.

Mr Patil said laws and the rules contained therein would be relooked to see what changes were required to prevent more effective deterrent against atrocities against dalits.

Pointing some complaints of FIRs not being registered in such incidents, the Home Minister said The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 would be amended to ensure that in all such cases a copy of the FIR was sent to the Magistrate of the area so as to ensure that police do not refuse filing of FIRs. Steps would also be taken to ensure that such cases were registered not under the IPC but under this special act under which punishment is more severe.

The Home Ministry is also considering investigation of atrocities on dalits be done by an officials of DSP level. However, the positive and negative aspects of this in view of fewer number of such officials would be considered before a final decision would be made, he said.

The government would also take steps to provide good quality lawyers to dalits to increase the conviction rate and increase the number of special courts to bring down the pendency of such cases, he said.

Regarding the problems of Tribals, the government would ensure that in case of their displacement, alternative land be provided.

A significant suggestion regarding Annual Judicial Review to assess the pendency of cases of atrocities against dalits and number of acquittals was made by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar.

Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ram Vilas Paswan recommended setting up a 'Prime Minister's Trophy' to be given to the state where no atrocities against dalits happens. He also suggested setting up Exclusive Courts to decide on the matters of atrocities against dalits.

State governments agreed to set up more Special Courts and take steps to see that cases were registered properly and expeditious disposal was done.

UNI AJ RP BD1958