Allahabad High Court Finds Misuse of SC/ST Act
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a criminal appeal by 19 accused in a case filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The court found that the complainant contradicted her earlier statements and denied lodging the FIR that formed the basis of the case.
Details of the Case
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav ruled that the facts revealed “a gross misuse of the benevolent provisions" of the SC/ST Act and “a serious abuse of the process of law.” The order was issued on November 6, 2025.
Arguments Presented
- On November 4, 2025, the appellants' counsel argued that the FIR was not lodged by the victim and claimed her thumb impression was taken on blank paper.
- The complainant's counsel immediately denied these claims, affirming the FIR's validity.
Court's Directives
Due to the gravity of the allegations and the complainant's Scheduled Caste status, the court ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Yamunapar), the investigating officer, and the complainant, Smt. Ram Kali, to personally appear before the bench on November 6.
“A gross misuse of the benevolent provisions of the SC/ST Act and a serious abuse of the process of law.” — Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav
Author's summary: The Allahabad High Court exposed significant manipulation in an SC/ST Act case, highlighting the misuse of legal protections designed for marginalized communities.