XXX Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal filed under Sec. 14A(2) of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as 'SC/ST Act' for convenience). The appellant is the accused in Crime No.942/2022 of Thodupuzha Police Station, where the accused/appellant alleged to have committed offences punishable under Ss. 376(1) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Ss. 3(1)(w)(i) and 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act.

(2.) Though notice was served upon the defacto complainant as mandated under Sec. 15-A(3) of the SC/ST Act, the defacto complainant did not turn up.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel for the appellant as well as the learned Public Prosecutor.