Bhubaneswar: The Odisha govt on Wednesday notified the establishment of six exclusive special courts for the speedy trial of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in a bid to strengthen legal protection for SC and ST communities. The courts have been set up following recommendations and concurrence from the Orissa high court, according to a govt notification issued on Monday.The new courts will function as additional district and sessions judges-cum-exclusive special courts and will have jurisdiction over Bhadrak, Ganjam (Berhampur), Jajpur, Kendrapada and Puri districts, as well as the Khurda revenue sub-division. Officials said the move is expected to facilitate faster disposal of long-pending atrocities cases.The proposal emerged following a review of pending cases by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) at the police headquarters. Based on the assessment, the home department sought and obtained approval from the high court for the establishment of the courts.Following the notification, the home department has requested the Orissa high court to appoint judicial officers to the newly created courts. The govt is also examining the possibility of establishing similar exclusive courts and appointing special public prosecutors in other districts with a high pendency of atrocities cases, officials said. A govt press release said the move reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring social justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable sections of society.
