Allahabad High Court Fines Accused ₹5 Lakh for Misuse of SC/ST Act
The Allahabad High Court issued a stern ruling against all parties involved in a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The bench found both the alleged victims and the accused had participated in an abuse of the law’s intent and process.
“Serious abuse of the process of law and a gross misuse of the benevolent provisions of the Act,”
With these words, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav dismissed the appeal filed by nineteen accused persons under Section 14-A(1) of the Act. The Court ordered the three women identified as victims—a Dalit woman and her two daughters-in-law—to repay the entire compensation amount of ₹4.5 lakh received from the State.
Additionally, the nineteen appellants were fined ₹5 lakh collectively for influencing the alleged victim and attempting to derail the judicial process. The decision underscored that both sides had acted against the spirit of justice.
Arguments Presented During Hearing
- On November 4, 2025, counsel for the accused claimed the complaint was based on the thumb impression of the alleged victim.
- The complainant’s counsel firmly denied this, insisting that no such FIR had been filed by the woman herself.
The Court observed that, given the complainant’s background as a woman from the Scheduled Caste community, she might have been approached improperly or subjected to coercion by the accused to manipulate the proceedings.
Author’s Summary
The Allahabad High Court condemned the exploitation of the SC/ST Act, fining the accused ₹5 lakh and directing victims to refund ₹4.5 lakh for their role in fabricating and abusing the law.