Judiciary / Exclusive Special Courts to Fast‑Track SC/ST Cases in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jul 22: In a major step towards strengthening legal protections for marginalised communities, the Odisha government has officially notified the establishment of six new Exclusive Special Courts to expedite trials under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The notification, issued by the Home Department under No. 26395/HOME‑CHR‑CRTN2‑0001‑2015/CP&M, follows statutory consultations and recommendations from the Orissa High Court. The government said the initiative reflects its commitment to victim‑centric justice, social equity, and protection of vulnerable communities under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The newly established courts will function as Courts of Additional District and Sessions Judges‑cum‑Special Courts with exclusive jurisdiction over Bhadrak, Ganjam (Berhampur), Jajpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts, as well as the Khurda revenue sub‑division. Officials said the move is expected to clear backlogs and reduce pendency in high‑caseload areas.

The decision stems from continuous assessment and sustained administrative efforts by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) at Odisha Police Headquarters, Cuttack. Rigorous pendency audits and coordination led by Additional Director General of Police Yatindra Koyal identified high‑caseload regions and shaped the proposal that secured judicial concurrence.

Following the statutory notification, the Home Department has requested the Orissa High Court to appoint Additional District and Sessions Judges as Presiding Officers for these courts. The government is also evaluating proposals for additional Exclusive Special Courts and Special Public Prosecutors in other districts with high pendency.

Officials emphasised that the initiative is aimed at expediting disposal of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and ensuring timely justice. The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts to fast‑track offences committed against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, thereby reinforcing constitutional safeguards.