Significance of Section 15-A in SC/ST Act Underlined

Quick Summary

• Director of Prosecution, B. Ramakoteswara Rao, reviewed cases under teh SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act pending in special courts from January to June 2025.
• In a meeting with joint directors of prosecution, Special Public Prosecutors (SPPs), and officials from Police and Social Welfare departments, Mr.Rao emphasized understanding the SC/ST act amendments, Witness Protection Scheme 2018, and Bharatiya nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.
• Key points highlighted included invoking Section 15-A for victim protection measures to prevent hostile witnesses and mandatory video recording of witness statements during investigations and trial stages.
• Mr. Rao addressed the importance of filing appeals in acquittals or inadequate sentencing to ensure justice for victims.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The review led by B. ramakoteswara Rao underscores proactive steps toward improving judicial processes under the SC/ST (prevention of Atrocities) Act. Emphasis on victim protection and witness credibility aligns with national objectives for strengthening social equity laws. The integration of advanced procedural measures like video-recorded evidence signals a push toward reducing error rates in investigations while enhancing transparency.

Moreover, addressing the need to appeal acquittals or lenient judgments indicates a focus on rectifying gaps that coudl impact justice delivery for marginalized communities. Effective implementation will require robust coordination among legal departments, consistent monitoring mechanisms, and training across stakeholders involved.

For India’s broader goals on social justice through rigorous enforcement mechanisms like BNSS 2023 reforms or Witness protection initiatives-success lies in translating procedural recommendations into actionable outcomes without bottlenecks at operational levels.

Read more: Published – August 03, 2025