Silchar: Assam is on track to catch up with the national conviction rate of over 50%, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.
"The conviction rate was as low as 5% when I took charge as the home minister. Today, it has gone up to 23%. I am of the view that we will soon touch 30%," Sarma told the media after inaugurating the court building of the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (M) in Lakhipur.
He said the state will be able to touch the national conviction rate by the next two-three years if things proceed as planned.
"The situation has changed. However, we were so behind that catching up with the national average is a very big task. But we are on the right track and we will reach it," Sarma added.
The national conviction rate has been over 50% for the past few years.
Sarma said the inauguration of the court building will not only enhance the efficiency of the judiciary in Lakhipur but also have a positive impact on fulfilling the aspirations of the people across the Barak Valley.
He said that to strengthen the state's judicial system, govt has undertaken several significant initiatives, as a result of which the judicial infrastructure in the state has seen remarkable progress in recent years.
In order to bring the judiciary closer to the common people, state govt has taken several steps to make justice more accessible, Sarma added.
He said to protect children from sexual abuse and ensure swift resolution of cases related to child marriage, Pocso courts have been established in 17 districts, including two in Nagaon.
With the number of commercial disputes on the rise as the state is witnessing economic growth, he said plans are afoot to establish a dedicated commercial court in Guwahati. Similarly, a specialised NDPS court is also being planned, Sarma added.
The CM said efforts are also underway to establish a directorate of prosecution in the state, which will function as the controlling authority of all administrative tasks related to prosecution.
He also maintained that the legal fraternity has a responsibility to not weaponise loopholes in delaying trial in cases involving crimes against women and children. PTI