MODUGULA MALLIKARJUNA REDDY Vs. STATE OF A.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) TSUNDUR is a village in Guntur District with fertile lands, and the basic activity of the villagers is 'Agriculture'. It is on the railway line between Vijayawada and Madras, and there is a Railway Station at that place. Its neighbouring village on the southern side is, Modukuru with almost similar features. As in any Agricultural Village, the lands are held by some and landless poor, mostly from Scheduled Castes, are engaged in the Agricultural operations.

(2.) FOR some reason on the other, the relation between 'Dalits' and the landholders, such as Reddies and Telagas are said to be not so congenial, even from 1940's. However, except for the expression of differences and protests, no major incident appears to have taken place, obviously because elders from the respective communities ensured that the manifestation of differences does not cross a point. In the recent past, however, the youth were not able to put up with the same state of affairs, and they did not miss any opportunity to assert themselves. The police were also acting promptly, and steps, such as, imposition of prohibitory orders, binding over the persons under Section 107 Cr.P.C., were being resorted to. It was the view of the police, the youth have fallen into the hands of radical elements, they were brain washed, and were waiting for an opportunity to pollute the otherwise peaceful atmosphere in and around said villages.

(3.) ON 04.08.1991, D. Rajaa, Dalit boy is said to have outraged the modesty of three girls belonging to 'Reddy' community, by rubbing his shoulders with them, and when he was questioned by T. Krishna Reddy, he stabbed him with knife, collected from the nearby bunk. Crime No. 58 of 1991 was registered under Section 354 and 324 IPC in relation to that incident. On 05.08.1991, another incident took place leading to registration of Crime No. 59/91 under Sections 341 and 324 IPC. Though the police pickets were existing already, additional force was deployed on that day. Both the groups are said to have gathered at 3.00 p.m., near Bose Statue centre and pelted stones on each other. That resulted in registration of Crime Nos. 60 and 61 of 1991.