PANDURANGA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellants-accused No.1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are before this Court seeking grant of bail under Sec. 14-A of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act' for short) in the event of their arrest in Crime No.8/2022 of West Police Station, Raichur, pending before the Special Court and I Additional Sessions Judge, Raichur, in Spl.Case (A) No.442/2022 registered for the offences punishable under Ss. 143, 147, 324, 307, 354, 504, 506 326 r/w sec. 149 of the Indian Penal Code (for short 'IPC'), and under Ss. 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(1)(w)(1), 3(2)(v-a) of the Act, on the basis of the first information lodged by informant-Shashikala.

(2.) Heard Sri Sachin M. Mahajan, learned Counsel for the appellants and Sri H.S.Shankar, learned High Court Government Pleader for the respondent No.1-State. Perused the materials on record.

(3.) Learned Counsel for the appellants submitted that the appellants are arrayed as accused No.1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. They have been falsely implicated in the case without any basis. The complainant Smt. Devi lodged a private complaint on 17/4/2021 alleging commission of the offence by accused Nos.1 to 6 on 20/3/2021. There is inordinate delay in lodging the complaint which has not been explained properly. It is stated that accused Nos.1, 2, 3 and 4 assaulted the complainant and thrown her on the road. Even though they were knowing that complainant was six months' pregnant and caused injuries to her. It is also stated that accused No.1 assaulted with a spade and caused grievous bleeding injuries. But the wound certificate relating to the complaint does not support such contention.