Odisha Establishes Six Exclusive Special Courts for Faster Trial of SC/ST Atrocities Cases

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to strengthen the justice delivery system for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Odisha Government has notified the establishment of six Exclusive Special Courts for the speedy disposal of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The notification, issued by the Home Department after consultation with the Orissa High Court, aims to accelerate the trial process and improve prosecution in cases involving atrocities against members of SC and ST communities.

The newly created courts will function as Additional District and Sessions Judges-cum-Special Courts and will exclusively hear cases from the revenue districts of Bhadrak, Ganjam (Berhampur), Jajpur, Kendrapara and Puri, along with the Khurda revenue sub-division. The move is expected to reduce case pendency and ensure quicker access to justice in districts witnessing a high number of such cases.

The decision comes under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with the State Government reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities and ensuring timely justice for victims.

Officials said the proposal was prepared following a detailed review of pending cases by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) at the Police Headquarters. Based on pendency assessments and consultations, the SHRPC identified districts requiring dedicated courts. The initiative was closely monitored by Additional Director General of Police Yatindra Koyal, whose office coordinated the proposal that later received judicial approval.

Following the notification, the Home Department has requested the Orissa High Court to appoint Additional District and Sessions Judges as Presiding Officers for the newly established courts.

The State Government is also considering the creation of more Exclusive Special Courts and the appointment of Special Public Prosecutors in other districts where a large number of SC/ST atrocity cases are pending, with the objective of strengthening the legal framework for the protection of marginalised communities.