LEGAL AND POLITY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Bombay High Court Dismisses Case under SC/ST Act
Case - Afshamaskar Laikhkan Pathan vs State of Maharashtra
1.The Bombay High Court has dismissed a case filed under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, citing the absence of "public view"—a critical requirement for prosecution under the Act.
2.The court's decision underscores the importance of meeting specific legal criteria for charges under the SC/ST Act to stand.
3.In this case, the complainant alleged assault and caste-based abuse following a failed relationship.
4.An FIR was lodged under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Act, which mandate that the offences must occur in a public setting and be witnessed by third parties.
5.However, the complainant's claims lacked corroboration from any independent witnesses.