Maha has only 3 pc conviction rate in Atrocities Act cases

Mumbai, Jan 31 (PTI) Maharashtra has only 3 pc convictionrate in the cases filed under the Scheduled Caste andScheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

"The conviction rate in Atrocities Act cases inMaharashtra is three per cent, while the national convictionrate under the Act is 30 per cent," Union Minister for SocialJustice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik told reporters heretoday.

Wasnik held a review meeting with the state ministerShivajirao Moghe and officials to discuss the implementationof Atrocities Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act''.

"Considering that over 5,000 cases under the Act arepending in the state, we have asked the government to set upspecial courts in every division," he said.

The state recorded 1,296 atrocity cases in 200.

Wasnik said, "There are several reasons like witnessesturning hostile, out-of-court settlements, or insufficientevidence for the low conviction rate.

The Centre has sought suggestions from the states as tohow the Atrocities Act can be amended for better results, hesaid.