Topic
The SC/ST Act, or the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, criminalizes caste-based violence and discrimination against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India.
Punjab and Haryana High Court holds that pending civil suit does not automatically render FIR under SC/ST Act an abuse of process if prima facie ingredients are disclosed.
Patna High Court quashes SC/ST Act charges where caste abuse was not proven to be intentional, public, or motivated by victim's identity. Key precedent on Section 3(1)(r) and (s) applied.
Madras High Court holds that delay beyond 60 days in filing final report under SC/ST Act does not invalidate cognizance; statutory time limit is directory, not mandatory.
Bombay High Court holds that Special Courts cannot dismiss Atrocities Act cases without examining prima facie applicability; must record factual findings before declining jurisdiction.
Supreme Court cancels bail granted to accused in SC/ST Act case, holding that courts cannot evaluate evidentiary credibility at bail stage when unlawful assembly and grave offences are involved.
Supreme Court cancels bail granted to accused in SC/ST Act case, holding that courts must not evaluate evidentiary credibility at bail stage when unlawful assembly is established.
Chhattisgarh High Court holds that Section 18 bar on anticipatory bail under SC/ST Act does not apply if FIR lacks caste-based allegations, even if offences are registered.
Bombay High Court grants interim bail to accused in SC/ST Act case, holding that sexual assault allegations lacking consent cannot be prima facie established where consensual relationship is admitted.
Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that allegations of caste-based animus under SC/ST Act must be present at the time of offence; post-facto improvisation in statements cannot sustain charges.
Bombay High Court holds that sole testimony of victim in SC/ST Atrocity Act cases cannot sustain conviction without corroboration when material inconsistencies exist and independent witnesses fail to support the prosecution.
Madhya Pradesh High Court grants anticipatory bail to accused under SC/ST Act, emphasizing cooperation with investigation and absence of absconding risk over automatic denial.
Bombay High Court mandates state to provide video recording infrastructure for trials under SC/ST Act, reinforcing statutory compliance under Section 15-A(10).
Gujarat High Court holds that settlement between parties cannot quash convictions under the Atrocity Act, even when IPC offences are compoundable, affirming the Act's non-compoundable nature.
Jharkhand High Court quashes SC/ST Act proceedings where assault arose from land dispute, not caste identity, clarifying that mere abuse does not trigger the Act without caste-based intent.
Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that subsequent FIR alone cannot justify cancellation of anticipatory bail; very cogent supervening circumstances required under Section 439(2) Cr.P.C.