MP High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To ‘Journalists’ Accused Of Assaulting, Using Casteist Remarks Against Teacher

The Madhya Pradesh High Court refused anticipatory bail to two persons (alleged “journalists”) accused of assaulting a Scheduled Caste teacher and using casteist slurs in a news article, notably describing her as “Chindi Chor” (petty thief). The court held that the FIR materials disclose a prima facie case and the use of casteist insults indicates an intention to humiliate; notably, Section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is held to bar anticipatory bail in such cases. The judgment underscores judicial recognition of the heightened sensitivity under SC/ST protections and that speech-based insults targeted at caste identity carry serious consequences, disfavoring liberal grant of anticipatory relief in such contexts.