Jodhpur: In a significant judgment highlighting concerns over the misuse of stringent laws, the Rajasthan High Court has acquitted a man after a prolonged legal battle of nearly 32 years in a case registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court underscored the need for a balanced and careful application of the Act, which is meant to protect vulnerable communities from caste-based discrimination and atrocities.
The case dates back to 1993 and revolves around Lal Singh, a resident of Sovaniya village in Bilara tehsil of Jodhpur district. The dispute originated from a minor financial disagreement at a local flour mill, where Lal Singh had gone to get his wheat ground. An argument reportedly broke out over the payment of a paper-related fee. While Lal Singh initially treated it as a routine disagreement, the mill operator later lodged a police complaint accusing him of using casteist slurs, blocking his way, and assaulting him.
Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under the SC/ST Act. Following the trial, a lower court convicted Lal Singh and sentenced him to six months of simple imprisonment along with a fine. He served the sentence, but the conviction allegedly subjected him to years of social stigma, mental distress, and hardship for his family.
After his release, Lal Singh approached the Rajasthan High Court, challenging the conviction. During the hearing, the defence argued that the case stemmed purely from a monetary dispute and lacked any credible evidence of caste-based intent. The High Court noted serious inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, including contradictions in witness statements regarding the date and location of the incident. While one witness claimed the incident occurred on July 24 near a public well, the complaint mentioned July 25 at a different location.
The court also took note of the 13-day delay in filing the FIR, which raised doubts about the credibility and genuineness of the allegations. The investigating officer’s report further confirmed that the core issue between the parties was a financial dispute.
In its ruling, the High Court observed that while the SC/ST Act is a vital and protective legislation, its invocation must be supported by clear evidence of intentional and public caste-based humiliation. The court clarified that if a dispute is essentially personal or financial in nature, the mere use of caste-related words does not automatically attract provisions of the Act.
Accordingly, Lal Singh was acquitted of all charges, bringing an end to a legal ordeal that spanned over three decades.
