[a] whether the rate of acquittals in criminal cases is on the rise over the years; [b] If so, the details thereof during the last three years; [c] whether the lack of a law to protect witness is the main reason behind such acquittals; and [d] if so, the steps taken to bring in such a law and plug in the gaps in the criminal systems ?
MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE AND COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY [SHRI KAPIL SIBAL]
[a] & [b]: The rate of conviction/acquittal varies from year to year. As per the statistics
maintained by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the acquittal rate in IPC cases during
the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 59.3%, 58.9% and 61.5% respectively. While the rate of
acquittal decreased from 2010 to 2011, it registered a marginal increase in 2012.
[c]: There are a number of reasons behind the incidence of acquittals including interalia the
quality of investigation and prosecution, the witnesses turning hostile, inadequacy of
procedures to protect witnesses and delay in disposal of cases.
[d]: Government has taken a number of steps to improve the rate of conviction including
accepting and implementing various related recommendations of Justice J.S. Verma committee.
Emphasis is being given to training of police officers and the public prosecutor to improve
the quality of prosecution and assist the judges in disposal of cases. Government has also
set up the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms for reducing delays and
arrears through policy and legislative changes, reengineering procedures and leveraging ICT for better justice delivery.