Conviction rate in cases under SC/ST declined between 2011-2013

The conviction rate in cases registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act declined between 2011 and 2013, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla said the conviction rate of cases booked under the act in 2011 was 30 per cent, which was 23.8% and 22.8% in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Also, the pendency of cases was 84.1% in 2013, while it was 83.1% in 2012 and 79.9% in 2011. Citing the data, Sampla said that it indicates a marginal variation in the pendency rate and a decline in the conviction rate during 2011-2013.

The conviction rate may be influenced by several factors like witnesses turning hostile, belated prosecution, loss of interest by the victim and witnesses due to long delay in completion of trial, absence of corroborative evidence, the Minister added. 

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