A.Hariprakash v. The State Represented By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 02.12.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.VELMURUGAN A.Hariprakash ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The State Represented by The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Valpari Sub-Division, Coimbatore District.

2. The Inspector of Police, Anamalai Police Station, Coimbatore District, Crime No.709 of 2024.

3. T.Krishnan ... Respondents Prayer: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 528 of BNSS, 2023, to direct the Sessions Judge, Special Court for trial of Cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Coimbatore to consider and pass orders on the bail application of the petitioner on the same day in the event of the petitioner's surrender before the Special Court and filing of bail applications in connection with Crime No.709 of 2024 on the file of the second respondent. 1/5

For Petitioners : Mr.S.Arjun For Respondents : Mr.S.Sugendran Additional Public Prosecutor for R1 and R2

O R D E R

This Criminal Original Petition is filed to direct the learned Sessions Judge, Special Court for trial of Cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Coimbatore, to consider the bail application of the petitioner herein on the same day of his surrender pertaining to Crime No.709 of 2024 on the file of the second respondent police.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for respondents 1 and 2 and perused the materials available on record.

3. It is to be noted that Section 18 of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (in short "SC/ST Act"), is bar to file a petition under Section 438 Cr.P.C./482 BNSS. Therefore Anticipatory Bail is not maintainable for the offence under the SC/ST Act. Further Section 15A under Chapter IV-A was introduced by 2/5

Act 1 of 2016 w.e.f. 26.01.2016, as per which, notice has to be sent to the victim, in respect of any proceedings and without giving notice, no proceedings shall be proceeded further. Further, the inherent power under Section 482 Cr.P.C.,/528 BNSS should not be invoked automatically and the jurisdiction under Section 482 Cr.P.C., /528 BNSS should be exercised sparingly. When there is specific bar under the Special Act, this Court cannot ignore the intention of the Legislators and the purpose of enactment of the Special Act. If the application of the petitioner is directed to be considered on the same day without giving notice to the victim, the purpose of Section 15A(3)(5) of SC/ST Act would be defeated and the same would curtail the statutory right of the victim.

4. Under such circumstances, this Court is not inclined to invoke Section 482 Cr.P.C.,/528 BNSS which would amount to ignoring the provisions of the Special Act. Therefore, this petition shall stand dismissed. However, the petitioner is at liberty to workout his remedy in the manner known to law and the learned Special Judge is directed to exercise his/her discretionary power after giving notice to the victim. The learned Special Judge/Magistrate is also directed to adhere the statutory provisions of Sections 18 and 15 A (3)(5) of SC/ST Act. 3/5

02.12.2024 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes/No ms To

1. The Sessions Judge, Special Court for trial of Cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Coimbatore.

2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Valpari Sub-Division, Coimbatore District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Anamalai Police Station, Coimbatore District.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

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P.VELMURUGAN, J ms 02.12.2024 5/5