Allahabad High Court Orders State-Wide Probe Into Possible SC/ST Compensation Misuse

The Allahabad High Court has ordered a state-wide investigation into the possible misuse of the compensation scheme under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, while stressing that genuine victims must receive the full financial relief due to them.

The order came as Justice Santosh Rai’s single bench heard criminal appeals filed by Jhansi residents Arvind Kumar and two others, along with Santosh Kumar Dhohre, against a July 23, 2024 verdict of the Special Judge (SC/ST Act) court in Jhansi.

The cases involved IPC Sections 170, 323, 504 and 506, relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act and Section 67 of the IT Act.

The appellants said investigators had proposed Rs 2 lakh compensation per victim, with 75 per cent, or Rs 1,50,000, payable after filing of the chargesheet.

The Jhansi District Social Welfare Officer released only 37.5 per cent, or Rs 75,000, they claimed.

Despite repeated representations, the remaining amount remained unpaid. The applicants then approached the Special Judge, but the court dismissed their application.

The High Court held that the lower court had misread Rule 12(7). It clarified that Special Courts can verify whether victims received timely and adequate relief and order payment of any shortfall.

The state told the court that Dhohre, an advocate, and his family members had received Rs 23,36,250 across multiple cases. Another 10–12 claims are pending before the district committee.

The court called the pattern ‘inquiry-worthy’, but clarified that repeated claims alone do not prove misuse.

The Jhansi District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police must complete a fair investigation into Dhohre’s case within three months.

The court ordered action against guilty individuals and responsible officials if misuse is established. It further directed a state-wide review of repeat claimants and asked Special Judges to remain vigilant while protecting genuine claims.

The Jhansi special court must reconsider the pending applications within six weeks.

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