The recent move by the Ministry of Social Justice to go for important amendments in the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (POA) 1989 supposedly to simplify the process of hearings and strengthen investigation mechanisms has largely gone unnoticed.
According to reports appearing in a section of the media the ministry is contemplating amendments in section 14 of the act which would facilitate establishment of special courts for speedy trials in case of atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It is also being proposed that, in case of serious offences like murder and rapes against these marginalised sections, a detailed report should be sent to the Centre and the National Commission on SCs and STs within four days of filing of First Information Reports.

[Read the full article at Tehelka.]