Bengaluru: Only 0.2% appeals filed in SC/ST Act acquittals, study finds
Bengaluru: A recent study has found that appeals are filed in only 0.2% of acquittal cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, highlighting a significant gap in the justice process, according to a report by Deccan Herald.
The survey, conducted across Tumakuru, Chikkamagaluru, and Raichur districts, found that in 2023, nearly 22% of registered cases under the Act ended in acquittal. However, appeals were filed in only a fraction of these cases.
Since 2016, the number of acquittal cases in which an appeal has been filed has remained below 20%.
The study recommended regular monitoring of prosecution performance. It suggested that public prosecutors’ performance be reviewed twice a year, in January and July, as required by Rule 4(2) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995.
“Monthly review of cases by the district magistrate and the officer in charge of prosecution at the district level should be conducted as required by Rule 4(4) of the Rules,” the study said.
The study also found procedural delays. Although the law mandates filing of charge sheets within 60 days, nearly 20% of cases in 2023 exceeded this timeframe.
Additionally, the study pointed to a low disposal rate in courts, contributing to delays in justice delivery.
The data showed that the number of atrocity cases has increased over the years. In 2016, as many as 1,082 cases were filed and this increased to 1,896 by 2023.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Three private doctors arrested in illegal scanning case involving 31 minor pregnant girls in KR Pet
Mandya: Police on Tuesday arrested three private doctors in connection with a case involving alleged illegal scanning of 31 minor pregnant girls at a private diagnostic centre in KR Pet. The accused were later remanded to judicial custody.
The arrested doctors have been identified as Dr. Divyachetan of Chetana Maternity Centre, Dr. Harshit of Navi Diagnostic Centre, and Dr. Harish of Kushal Diagnostic Centre.
Police said Priyanka, a gynaecologist attached to a government hospital, is absconding and efforts are under way to trace her.
The case came to light after Karnataka Lokayukta Police recently conducted raids, during which illegal sex determination tests on minor pregnant girls were allegedly detected at two diagnostic centres in KR Pet town.
Following the raids, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Mohan, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department P.S. Asha, and District Child Protection Officer Rashmi inspected several diagnostic centres and filed cases at KR Pet Town and Rural police stations.
According to the allegations, Navi Diagnostic Centre conducted scans on 24 minor pregnant girls, including 19 cases in 2024 and five in 2025. Kushal Diagnostic Centre is accused of conducting scans on seven minor pregnant girls.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar has directed taluk vigilance committees to inspect all 63 ultrasound scanning centres in the district and submit reports within 10 days.
Officials said the Tahsildar of each taluk has been appointed chairperson of the respective committee.
