RAVINDRA SONI Vs. STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The accused/appellant has filed this appeal under Sec. 14 (A) (2) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (for short "the SC/ST Act ") for grant of anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No.18/2021 registered at Police Station Ajak Ambikapur, District Surguja for the offence punishable under Ss. 294, 506 and 452 of IPC and Ss. 3 (1) (r) (s) of the SC/ST Act.

(2.) According to prosecution case, the appellant who runs a petrol pump and under whom the complainant was working as an employee, on the date of incident had enquired about the presence of the complainant/victim at the petrol pump but he was not present at the work place. Thereafter, the appellant had gone to the victim 's matrimonial house at village Silsila where the complainant was found. It is alleged against the appellant that he abused him in the name of his caste and forcefully took him to the petrol pump. Thereafter, the victim 's in-law called him and again taken him to matrimonial house. The appellant again called him through his phone and abused him filthily in the name of his caste and also threatened to kill him.

(3.) Learned counsel for the appellant submits that appellant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case as the complainant was not found at the work place and when he caught red handed in his matrimonial house, then just to save himself and to hide his lie, he lodged the false report by misusing his caste. It is submitted that the incident took place within the house so the ingredients of offence under the SC/ST Act are not attracted. Therefore, considering all these aspects, the appellant may be granted anticipatory bail.