#Section 15-A

Bombay High Court Aurangabad Bench rules that victims under the SC/ST Act have a statutory right to be heard before bail is granted, quashing bail orders where this procedural safeguard was violated. The judgment reinforces victim participation in criminal proceedings, impacting bail jurisprudence under special protective laws.

Madras High Court rules that caste-based remarks in private matrimonial disputes do not automatically constitute atrocities under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. The court emphasized that bail must be considered on merit, ensuring genuine victim consultation under Section 15-A, rather than treating it as a procedural formality. This sets a precedent for distinguishing genuine atrocity cases from matrimonial discord.