In a significant move aimed at strengthening the legal process, Shimla's Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has directed authorities to conduct a detailed scrutiny of court judgments and orders in cases filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This directive comes in response to the concerningly high rate of acquittals in such cases within the district.
Addressing the Core Issue: Why Do Cases Fail in Court?
The instructions were issued during a meeting of the District-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee held on Tuesday. The meeting, attended by officers from the police and the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, focused on understanding the underlying reasons for weak prosecutions. DC Anupam Kashyap revealed a pressing statistic: forty cases registered under the Act since 2018 are currently pending in various courts. He expressed deep concern over the fact that courts have, in several instances, declined to accept cancellation reports and 'untrace' reports filed by the police, indicating flaws in the investigation process.
"It is a matter of concern," stated Kashyap, highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul. The scrutiny of past judgments is intended to identify common pitfalls and evidentiary gaps, enabling law enforcement and prosecutors to frame more robust cases in the future.
Specific Case to be Re-investigated
A particular case from 2024, registered on the complaint of a retired police head constable's wife, was discussed in detail during the meeting. It was noted that the police had submitted a cancellation report to the court without thoroughly probing all aspects of the allegation. Taking cognisance of this lapse, Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi confirmed that the DC's instructions have been noted and that this specific case will be probed again. This move signals a commitment to ensuring that complaints under the Act are investigated with due diligence.
Broader Welfare Initiatives Reviewed
Later, chairing a separate meeting under the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for minorities, DC Kashyap reviewed welfare metrics for the district. He shared that out of 2,154 Anganwadi centres in Shimla, 231 are located in minority-populated areas, catering to 491 registered children aged 0–6 years. Of these, 387 receive supplementary nutrition and 137 are enrolled in pre-school education. A nutrition assessment of 453 children found 439 normal, 11 moderately malnourished, and three severely malnourished.
He also outlined other schemes in operation, including the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya providing residential education to girls from SC, ST, minority, and economically weaker sections. Selected schools are also offering Urdu education, mid-day meals, free textbooks, and uniforms.
Focus on Manual Scavengers and Disability Rights
In another meeting convened under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the DC stated that no sanitation worker in Shimla district is engaged in manual scavenging. The administration is providing awareness camps, health check-ups, safety gear, and mechanised cleaning equipment. Children of sanitation workers are also covered under special scholarship schemes.
Reviewing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Kashyap informed that 101 persons with disabilities were provided employment under MGNREGA in the 2025–26 period. The district is also ensuring the provision of pensions, scholarships, UDID cards, and barrier-free access in government buildings. The meeting noted that legal guardians have been formally appointed for 127 persons with disabilities, with paperwork completed for two new cases.
The series of meetings underscores a multi-pronged administrative approach in Shimla, focusing on both strengthening legal frameworks for marginalised communities and ensuring the effective implementation of their welfare and rehabilitation schemes.
