The Supreme Court of India held that caste-based abuses inside a private residence, away from public view, would not attract offences under the SC/ST Act, ruling that alleged insults under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) must occur at “a place within public view.”
The Calcutta High Court ruled that caste-based abuse made over a phone call does not attract the SC/ST Act. The decision came while hearing Nurul Aras’ anticipatory bail plea under Section 482, seeking protection from FIR charges.
The Supreme Court has ruled that caste-based abuse made inside a private residence does not qualify as an offence under the SC/ST Act, emphasizing the mandatory requirement of “public view” in such cases. The judgment partially sets aside a 2025 High Court order.
