NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA (5) The Commission approved a long term research project submitted by Registrar, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu entitled ‘Atrocities against Dalits: An Empirical Study on the Performance of Special Courts in Tamil Nadu’. The objectives of the Study are: i. To find out the reason for the increasing atrocities against Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. ii. To study the reason for delay in filing the FIR. iii. To find out the average time taken by the Courts to finalize cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. iv. To explore whether after establishment of Exclusive Special Courts in Tamil Nadu, any change noticed with regard to quick finalization of cases. v. To examine how many hearings are generally held to dispose of cases under the Courts. vi. To analyze the percentage and reasons of convictions/acquittals under the Scheduled Cases and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The final report has been received and examined. The Commission directed the University to make a presentation on the study report. The outcome of the study report after presentation is still awaited. ******* ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 81