Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has raised a major red flag over the state's alarmingly low conviction rate in criminal cases, calling for immediate and systemic reforms to strengthen the prosecution machinery. The CM made these stark revelations while chairing a high-level review meeting of the state's Home Department.
A Startling Statistic: Conviction Rate Plummets to 9.96%
The data presented at the meeting painted a grim picture of the state's criminal justice system. For the year 2023, Karnataka recorded a conviction rate of just 9.96%. This figure represents a significant and worrying drop from the 14.8% conviction rate registered in 2022. The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over this sharp decline, emphasizing that it points to serious deficiencies in how cases are investigated and presented in court.
Siddaramaiah directed senior police officials and public prosecutors to conduct a thorough, case-by-case analysis to identify the root causes behind the high rate of acquittals. He stressed that strengthening the prosecution's case from the initial investigation stage is paramount to securing convictions and delivering justice.
Blueprint for Reform: The Karnataka Prosecutors' Academy
In a decisive move to address these systemic weaknesses, the Chief Minister announced the government's commitment to establishing a Prosecutors' Academy in Karnataka. This dedicated institution is envisioned as a center of excellence for enhancing the professional skills and legal acumen of public prosecutors.
The academy will focus on providing specialized training in evidence collection, courtroom procedures, and the nuances of arguing complex cases. The aim is to build a more robust and effective prosecution team that can match the defense's arguments and present watertight cases before judges. This initiative is seen as a critical long-term investment in improving the state's law and order outcomes.
Broader Review of Home Department and Police Welfare
The review meeting extended beyond conviction rates to encompass the overall functioning of the Home Department. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Home portfolio, examined various aspects of police administration and public safety.
A key focus area was the welfare of police personnel. The CM was briefed on the status of the Police Gruha Bhagya scheme, a housing initiative for police families. He instructed officials to expedite the process of providing house sites and constructing homes for eligible personnel. Furthermore, he reviewed the progress of establishing new police stations and modernizing existing police infrastructure across the state.
The meeting also covered the government's Yuva Nidhi unemployment allowance scheme. Officials confirmed that the benefit is being successfully delivered to all eligible graduates and diploma holders, fulfilling a major electoral promise of the Congress-led administration.
The Chief Minister's strong intervention highlights the government's recognition that a low conviction rate undermines public trust in the legal system and can embolden criminal elements. The proposed Prosecutors' Academy, coupled with a renewed focus on investigative quality, is intended to be a cornerstone for building a more just and secure Karnataka.
