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Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns over the misuse of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, highlighting cases where false complaints are filed to secure financial compensation.

Court stressed the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of the credibility of complaints before registering First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Act.

Court was dealing with a plea filed under Section 482 CrPC to quash a charge sheet in a case involving false accusations under the SC/ST Act. The FIR was filed under Sections 504, 506, 323 of the IPC and Sections 3(1)da, 3(1)dha of the SC/ST Act.

In July this year, the court was apprised by both parties that they had reconciled their differences and a compromise had been reached. The court had ordered both sides to appear before the court below and file a compromise deed. However, in August, the court was told that the opposite party was not ready to return the money they had received as compensation by the State Government. 

To this, the court had ordered the opposite party to be present before it along with a draft of Rs. 75,000. Court had said that once the opposite party had entered into a compromise and placed his signatures on the compromise deed, he could not withdraw his consent.

When the opposite party finally appeared before the court on September 18, on a specific query as to why he was not returning the compensation amount, he tendered an apology admitting that under pressure of the villagers he had lodged a false FIR, intending to obtain compensation.

The bench of Justice Manju Rani Chauhan emphasized that while the SC/ST Act plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable communities, it should not be misused for personal benefits.

"The weaponization and misuse of provisions intended to protect vulnerable groups who have historically faced discrimination not only undermines the very spirit of these laws but also hampers the progress toward genuine equality," Justice Chauhan said.

The judge suggested that a robust mechanism be established to verify the authenticity of complaints before an FIR is lodged. Moreover, she recommended that those found guilty of filing false complaints should face legal consequences under Section 182 of the IPC.

Court further directed district authorities to ensure that compensation funds are allocated fairly and not released in cases involving false claims. It also called for the establishment of mediation sessions, police training programs, and oversight bodies to prevent further misuse of the Act.

In the present plea, court allowed it and quashed the chargesheet and the proceedings in the case against the applicant. 

Case Title: Vihari And 2 Others v. State of U.P. and Another