“Take Off Your Clothes” | Rajasthan HC Stays FIR Against Judge Accused of Stripping Rape Survivor

On Tuesday(9th April), The Rajasthan High Court issued an interim order to prevent coercive action against a judicial officer accused of instructing a rape survivor to undress in court. The court emphasized the importance of press freedom while warning against sensationalizing the case. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on May 27. The accused officer’s actions are being contested by the Rajasthan Judicial Services Officers Association.

“Take Off Your Clothes”: Magistrate in Rajasthan Faces Charges After Demanding Gang Rape Survivor to Strip

In Hindaun, Rajasthan, an 18-year-old Dalit gang rape survivor accuses a magistrate of forcing her to undress under the guise of examining her injuries. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to an FIR against the magistrate under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Rajasthan High Court has ordered an investigation. Women’s groups and human rights organizations have expressed grave concern over the incident, prompting a thorough examination by authorities.

Jharkhand High Court: Interim Protection Granted to Sudhir Chaudhary in Tribal Remarks Case

On 13th March, The Jharkhand High Court grants protective order to AajTak’s Sudhir Chaudhary, following SC/ST Act complaint. Similar to Supreme Court’s ruling, no coercive actions against him. Allegations stem from comments on tribal community after former Chief Minister’s detention. Supreme Court’s notice to state police prevents coercive steps. High Court aligns stance after apex court’s decree. Jharkhand High Court defers examination of annulment pleas until Supreme Court’s deliberations. Chaudhary’s legal representatives focus on complainants’ allegations only.

Bombay High Court Mandates Video Recording for SC/ST Act Proceedings

The Bombay High Court has ruled that in accordance with Section 15A (10) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, all proceedings must be recorded on video. The Bombay High Court on Monday has mandated that all proceedings under this act must be video recorded. This decision, as per Section 15A […]

Delhi High Court Stipulates Mandatory Victim Hearing in SC/ST Act Bail Decisions

The Delhi High Court has established a crucial precedent concerning bail applications under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This landmark decision, delivered by Justice Navin Chawla, underscores the indispensable requirement of hearing the victim or complainant before granting bail to the accused in cases filed under the SC/ST Act. […]

Supreme Court Clears Man in SC/ST Act Molestation Case, Citing Lack of Caste-Based Intent

The bench of the Supreme Court, including Justice BR Gavai, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, and Justice Sandeep Mehta, emphasized the importance of deliberate intent as per Section 3(1)(xi) of the SC/ST Act. The justices noted that an act of outraging modesty qualifies under this section only if it is executed with a clear intention targeting […]

Allahabad High Court Clarifies SC/ST Act’s Applicability in Private Spaces

In a landmark ruling, the Allahabad High Court has made a significant observation regarding the applicability of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act) in instances of caste-based verbal abuse occurring within private premises. The judgment, delivered by Justice Suneet Kumar, provides a nuanced interpretation of the Act’s scope, […]

Kerala High Court Denies Sentence Suspension for 12 in Madhu Lynching Case, Grants Relief to One Accused

In a pivotal judgment, the Kerala High Court has made a significant decision regarding the suspension of sentences in the infamous Madhu lynching case. Madhu, a mentally challenged tribal youth, was brutally beaten to death in Palakkad’s Attapady in February 2018, after being accused of stealing rice from a grocery shop. Also read- Kerala High […]

Allahabad High Court Overturns SC/ST Act Cognizance, Stresses Need for Proving Intent to Humiliate

The Allahabad High Court has set aside a cognizance order implicating an individual under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, emphasizing that mere victimhood of a member of the SC/ST community does not automatically implicate the accused under the Act. Justice Sadhna Rani (Thakur) clarified that for the 1989 Act to apply, there must be […]