Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Odisha Sets Up Six Special Courts for SC/ST Cases
The Odisha government has set up six new special courts to handle cases related to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
These courts will help speed up trials and reduce the backlog of cases in areas with high caseloads.
The initiative was recommended by the Orissa High Court and is a result of continuous assessment by the State Human Rights Protection Cell.
The courts will operate in specific districts to ensure effective prosecution and justice for SC/ST communities.
Odisha government established six special courts for SC/ST cases.
Courts will operate in Bhadrak, Ganjam (Brahmapur), Jajpur, Kendrapada, Puri, and Khordha revenue sub-division.
Aim is to expedite trials and reduce pendency in high-caseload areas.
Initiative follows recommendations from the Orissa High Court.
State Human Rights Protection Cell identified high-caseload regions for the courts.
- Who
- Odisha government
- What
- Established six special courts for SC/ST cases
- When
- Notification issued after statutory consultations
- Where
- Bhadrak, Ganjam (Brahmapur), Jajpur, Kendrapada, Puri, and Khordha revenue sub-division
- Why
- To ensure speedy trial and effective prosecution of offences under the SC/ST Act, 1989
Proponents of Special Courts
Critics of Special Courts
Effectiveness in Reducing Backlog
Proponents of Special Courts
Special courts will expedite trials and reduce pendency in high-caseload areas.
Critics of Special Courts
Special courts may not necessarily reduce backlog without additional resources and support.
- Number of Courts
- 6
- Jurisdiction
- Bhadrak, Ganjam (Brahmapur), Jajpur, Kendrapada, Puri, and Khordha revenue sub-division
- Act
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Initiative
- Odisha government
- Key Official
- Additional DGP Yatindra Koyal