The Supreme Court temporarily stayed the investigation into an FIR against a man who called Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge “ayogya” (incompetent). This follows a challenge to the Karnataka High Court’s ruling, which upheld charges under specific IPC sections for inciting violence and promoting enmity, while dismissing those under the SC/ST Act.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a plea against Swami Rambhadracharya for alleged remarks about Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The court found no offense under relevant laws, agreeing with the special judge’s justifications. The petitioner’s appeal was rejected after thorough legal examination, affirming the previous dismissal from February 2024.
The Delhi High Court, under Justice Vikas Mahajan, ruled that video recording of all proceedings, including bail hearings, is mandatory under the SC/ST Act, without exceptions for sexual crimes. The court emphasized that these recordings must be used only for court purposes, ensuring the privacy and protection of victims’ identities.
The Karnataka High Court denied bail to accused Rafiq, who allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and coerced a woman from a Scheduled Caste community into converting to Islam. Justice S Rachaiah emphasized the seriousness of the crime and its societal impact, highlighting the judiciary’s role in combating forced conversions and protecting vulnerable individuals.
On Friday(23rd August), The Supreme Court of India clarified that not all insults or intimidating comments against SC/ST individuals automatically qualify as offenses under the SC/ST Act. This ruling came while granting anticipatory bail to Shajan Skaria, who faced charges under the Act for allegedly posting a derogatory video targeting a Kerala MLA from a Scheduled Caste community.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court granted interim bail to Baldev Singh, the first such order under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Charged with intentional insult, criminal intimidation, and violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, he was released upon furnishing a bond of Rs 25,000. The court also instructed him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and set a hearing for July 14.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that an offense under the SC/ST Act must occur in public view to be established. The court quashed proceedings for an offense committed in a private residence, emphasizing that intentional insult or intimidation causing humiliation must be in public view. This ruling is significant in fighting caste-based violence and discrimination in India.
The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court’s decision that a probation period should be considered as work experience for NTPC recruitment. The candidate, not an apprentice, received a regular salary and performed duties akin to permanent employees. The advertisement did not specify exclusion of probationary periods, justifying the Division Bench’s interpretation.
Today, On 15th May, The Supreme Court reserved its decision on granting pre-arrest bail to a Kerala YouTuber accused of posting defamatory content against an MLA. Both parties presented their arguments, focusing on the application of the SC/ST Act. The case is significant in testing legal protections against caste discrimination and the challenges faced by media personalities.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the provision in the SC/ST Act that mandates capital punishment for false evidence. The challenge argues it contradicts the “rarest-of-rare” standard for capital punishment. The petitioner highlighted previous rulings, and the court plans to consider reforms in other penal laws. No cases of capital punishment under this provision have been found.