The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that individuals lose their Scheduled Caste (SC) status upon converting to Christianity, disqualifying them from protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This decision emerged from a case involving Pastor Chintada Anand, who alleged discrimination despite his conversion over ten years ago.
Kerala: A District and Sessions Court in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, has sentenced an ambulance driver named Noufal V to life imprisonment for raping a 19-year-old woman who had tested positive for COVID-19. The shocking crime took place in September 2020, while the young woman was being taken to a COVID care centre for treatment.
Today, On 1st April, The Supreme Court raised concerns over the absence of an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) in a case involving unethical legal practices, questioning the integrity of the profession. The court noted that some advocates, instead of upholding justice, resort to unfair means. When caught, they often evade accountability by offering an unconditional apology, claiming their actions were unintentional. This observation highlights the growing need for stricter enforcement of ethical standards in the legal system.
The Supreme Court upheld a Bombay High Court ruling that intellectual property is covered under “property” in Section 15A of the SC/ST Act. The case involved a Dalit couple seeking compensation for the destruction of their intellectual work. The court reaffirmed their right to protection and compensation under the law. This decision strengthens legal safeguards for marginalized communities.
The High Court emphasized the need to address the societal implications of live-in relationships, stating, “It is high time we consider and establish a framework to uphold the moral values of society.” The court highlighted growing concerns over the impact of such relationships on traditional norms. It called for a collective effort to find solutions that balance individual freedoms with cultural ethics.
The Allahabad High Court ordered that proceedings under the SC\ST Act can be quashed using Section 482 of the CrPC if they involve an abuse of the legal process. The court emphasized that such powers should be exercised cautiously. This decision highlights the balance between safeguarding rights and preventing misuse of legal provisions. It reinforces the judiciary’s role in upholding fairness and justice.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, led by Justice Achal Kumar Paliwal, granted anticipatory bail to a man accused of raping a teacher under the guise of marriage, citing a lack of prima facie evidence and a long-standing relationship. The court highlighted delays in filing the FIR and the prosecutrix’s background as significant factors.
The Telangana High Court quashed an FIR against two Civil Judges accused under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, citing it as a retaliatory move filed after their colleagues were removed from service following disciplinary proceedings. The FIR, registered two years after the disciplinary action, was deemed an abuse of legal process, as the Court found it to be a “counter blast” to the petitioners’ original complaint. This decision highlights the importance of preventing misuse of legal provisions for personal retaliation.
The Allahabad High Court instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to address the relocation request of the Hathras rape victim’s family for their safety. The court emphasized the urgency following delays since February 2024 and required a prompt response from the District Magistrate, with compliance to be assessed by January 2025.
