Shimla DC orders monthly status reports on SC/ST atrocities cases

Shimla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap today directed the District Welfare Officer to submit a monthly status report on each pending case registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The reports will be reviewed by the DC to ensure timely and effective action.

He issued these instructions while chairing a meeting of the District-Level Vigilance and Awareness Committee to assess the implementation of the Act. The meeting focused on reviewing the role of responsible officials and agencies in providing relief, rehabilitation and justice to victims of caste-based atrocities.

DC Kashyap said 33 cases have remained pending in Shimla district since 2018, while nine new cases were registered between January 1 and June 30 this year. He emphasised the legal mandate to complete investigations and file chargesheets within 60 days under the Act.

He further highlighted the need for vigilance and accountability by State, district, and subdivisional monitoring committees, stressing their responsibility to review victim and witness support mechanisms regularly.

“Delivering justice to victims must be our priority. All stakeholders should act with honesty and sensitivity. Awareness about the Act needs to improve, so that victims can fight for their rights without delay,” said the DC. He also raised concern over the rising number of acquittals, attributing it to flawed investigations.

Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who also attended the meeting, assured that police are conducting fact-based and impartial investigations. He instructed all investigating officers to complete their work within the stipulated timeframe, warning that strict action would be taken against officers failing to ensure fair and timely investigation. The meeting concluded with a collective call for better coordination and awareness to ensure justice for SC/ST victims.

Himachal Tribune