SC/ST Act Requires Specific Allegation Of Caste-Based Insult, Rules Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act requires specific allegations establishing caste-based humiliation.

The court observed that the complainant’s community status alone does not establish an offence under the legislation.

Justice Santosh Rai delivered the ruling while hearing an appeal filed by Amarnath Chaudhary.

The case originated at Itwa police station in Siddharthnagar district, where the police filed a chargesheet.

Chaudhary subsequently challenged the cognisance and summoning order issued by the Special Judge in Siddharthnagar.

According to the case, the appellant allegedly assaulted the complainant after the latter raised concerns about a purportedly forged caste certificate.

Challenging the proceedings, Chaudhary argued that the FIR contained no allegation that he had used caste-based slurs or insulting language.

After examining the FIR, the High Court observed that the complaint did not indicate that the appellant had used caste-related abusive or derogatory words against the complainant.

The court found no specific allegation suggesting that the complainant had been deliberately humiliated because of belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community.

On these grounds, the High Court discharged Chaudhary from the offence under the SC/ST Act. However, it permitted the proceedings relating to the alleged assault to continue.

The ruling highlights the importance of specific allegations of caste-based humiliation when invoking the SC/ST Act, rather than relying solely on the complainant’s caste identity.

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