Conduct Online Training At Judicial Academy For Prosecutors In SC/ST Case : Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said "Considering the nature of the order, we are of the view that the second wave of Covid-19 may not prevent the Director of the Prosecution from complying with the order. The State Government must also respond to an earlier order suggesting imparting the training to the Prosecutors. The State Government can always approach the Karnataka Judicial Academy for conducting online training courses for the prosecutors."

Stating this the court extended the time granted to the state government to comply with the order till June 9. Posting the matter for further hearing on June 10, the court directed the State government to respond on the issue of training.

The direction was given while hearing a petition filed by PARISHISTA JAATHI/ PARISHISTA PANGADAGALA MELVICHARANE MATTU BALAVARDHANA SANGHA, concerning the implementation of the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

In its order dated September 16, 2020 the court had observed "As far as the delay in investigation and larger number of acquittals are concerned, the issue will have to be tackled by the State Government firstly, by undertaking to arrange regular training for the Investigating Officers and the Special Public Prosecutors appointed under the said Act of 1989.

It had added "The State Government will place on record necessary details of the training programmes arranged for the Investigating Officers and the Special Public Prosecutors. Perhaps, this will be one step which will ensure that the investigation and cases are conducted in a better fashion."