STATE OF ORISSA Vs. RENGSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal preferred by the State against the order of the Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate, Dharamgarh acquitting the respondents- accused persons of the charges under sections 3 and 7 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (hereinafter called the 'Act').

(2.) The prosecution case is that on 12-6-1978 at about noon, the Harijans, who were members of the scheduled caste, went to a well to take water. They were obstructed by the respondents, were abused in filthy language and were threatened to be assaulted. Out of fear they returned back from the well and P.W.1 lodged the First Information Report in the Koksara Police Station to this effect.

(3.) The respondents-accused persons pleaded not guilty and denied the occurrence.