SC/ST Act Offences | Plea U/S 482 CrPC Maintainable When Entire Case Proceedings Are Challenged: Allahabad HC Answers Reference

The Allahabad High Court ruled that proceedings under the SC/ST Act can be challenged in their entirety via Section 482 CrPC. The court clarified that its earlier contradictory decisions had created confusion, prompting the need for a larger bench reference. It emphasized that Section 482 aims to prevent the misuse of judicial proceedings and ensure justice by quashing baseless cases. The judgment provides clarity for individuals accused under the SC/ST Act, allowing them to seek relief in cases of procedural or evidentiary lapses. The court reaffirmed that remedies under Section 482 are essential to maintaining judicial integrity while safeguarding statutory rights under special laws.