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Politics
Chhattisgarh Clarifies SC Commission Lacks Power to Try Criminal Cases
✍️ livelaw.in
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 07:32 AM
👁 29
The Chhattisgarh government has stated that the Scheduled Castes Commission cannot adjudicate criminal charges or declare offences proved, limiting its role to administrative and remedial functions.
New Delhi – In a formal clarification, the Chhattisgarh administration reiterated that the Scheduled Castes Commission does not possess judicial authority to adjudicate criminal matters. The statement emphasizes that the commission's mandate is confined to investigating complaints of discrimination, recommending remedial measures, and monitoring compliance with the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Legal experts note that while the commission can forward findings to the police or courts, it cannot itself pronounce guilt or acquit accused individuals. This distinction safeguards the separation of powers between statutory bodies and the criminal justice system.
The clarification comes amid growing public confusion after several high‑profile cases where victims approached the commission seeking criminal redress. Officials urged complainants to file criminal FIRs with the police for prosecution, while using the commission for its intended purpose of addressing caste‑based harassment and ensuring victim support.
The state government has also directed its legal department to circulate the guidelines to district authorities to prevent future jurisdictional misunderstandings.
Legal experts note that while the commission can forward findings to the police or courts, it cannot itself pronounce guilt or acquit accused individuals. This distinction safeguards the separation of powers between statutory bodies and the criminal justice system.
The clarification comes amid growing public confusion after several high‑profile cases where victims approached the commission seeking criminal redress. Officials urged complainants to file criminal FIRs with the police for prosecution, while using the commission for its intended purpose of addressing caste‑based harassment and ensuring victim support.
The state government has also directed its legal department to circulate the guidelines to district authorities to prevent future jurisdictional misunderstandings.