R.N.PUNITH Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal is filed under Sec. 14(A)(2) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ('SC/ ST Act ' for short), questioning the correctness of the order dtd. 15/7/2022 passed by the VI Additional District and Special Judge, Mysuru in Crl.Misc.No.1291/2022, rejecting the appellants' application under Sec. 438 of Cr.P.C., for anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No.161/2022 registered by the first respondent police, for the offences punishable under Ss. 504 and 509 of IPC and Ss. 3(1)(r) and 3(2) (v-a) of SC/ ST Act .

(2.) Heard Sri Mohan Murthy, learned counsel for the appellants and the learned High Court Government Pleader for respondent No.1-State. Though notice is served to respondent No.2, she has not entered appearance before the court.

(3.) The court below was of the opinion that Sec. 18 of SC/ ST Act is a bar as there is a clear allegation made by respondent No.2 that she was abused in the name of caste. But the facts disclose that the appellants are the Civil Engineers under a contractor engaged by Slum Development Board for construction of houses for the benefit of SC/ST people under Pradhan Manthri Avas Yojana.