Tuesday, January 11 2005 14:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Concerned over delay in justice in cases of atrocity against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Centre today (Jan 11, 2005) favoured a "comprehensive law" and setting up of exclusive special courts in districts.

"A special mechanism and special laws are needed to deal with the situation," Law Minister H R Bhardwaj told a national conference on prevention of atrocities against SCs and STs and urged Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was also present, to help frame a comprehensive law for speedy criminal justice.

The Law Minister said along with attitudinal changes, amendments in the existing laws were necessary to impart justice without delay and added that there was need for constant review of the criminal justice system.

Observing that only "lip sympathy" was being rendered to victims of atrocities, Bhardwaj said discrimination against the SCs and STs should be removed at the grassroots level and suggested that MPs and MLAs set an example by living and eating with them. "Unless we change our attitude, atrocities will continue," he said.

Patil said investigations should be carried out by officers of not less than DSP rank and these should be completed within 30 days. Besides, exclusive special courts should be set up in all districts and States lagging behind should accord "high priority" to it, he said.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar said over 16 crore people were victims of atrocity or untouchability and expressed concern over the low rate of conviction due to ineffective investigations, casual handling of prosecution of cases and acquittals on technical grounds.