SUMAN SHARMA Vs. STATE OF H.P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner seeks regular bail in FIR No. 18 of 2023 dtd. 10/3/2023, registered under Ss. 3(1)(s), 3(1)(za)(c) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes= (Prevention of Atrocities Act), at police Station Kotkhai, District Shimla, H.P. Ad-interim protection was granted to the petitioner on 24/3/2023.

(2.) Respondent has filed the status report and has also produced the record. As per the status report, the petitioner during investigation has denied using derogatory words against the complainant. As per the status report, the petitioner was not even aware that the complainant belongs to scheduled caste. The status report also records that pursuant to the ad-interim protection granted to the petitioner, he has joined the investigation and is cooperating with the investigating agency.

(3.) Learned Additional Advocate General, on the basis of instructions imparted to him, fairly submitted that since the petitioner had joined the investigation, therefore, his custodial interrogation is not required. He, however, submitted that the petitioner be directed to continue to join the investigation and cooperate with the investigating agency as when directed to do so.