Centre for Annihilation of Caste

About: The report analyzes the phenomenon of manufacturing reasonable doubt by the cohort consisting of the Investigating Officer, Special Public Prosecutor, and Judge of the Special SC/ST Court under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Publisher: Caste Review, Centre for Annihilation of Caste

Date of Publishing: 10 March, 2024

Latest Update: January, 2025

Abstract: The low conviction rate in cases under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, cannot be attributed solely to the alleged filing of false cases, as is often claimed. In reality, several systemic issues contribute to this phenomenon, including legal loopholes, procedural delays, and flawed investigations. Among the most concerning reasons is the deliberate subversion of justice through what has been termed the “Manufacturing of Reasonable Doubt.” It is an insidious practice prevalent in many Special SC/ST Courts, where key functionaries, driven by caste prejudice, intentionally create circumstances that push the complainant-victim to turn hostile. This tactic compels the complainant-victim to withdraw their statement, fail to identify the accused, or deny critical particulars of their earlier testimony. Given that a conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, the deliberate manufacturing of such doubt results in acquittals.