1. The petitioners 1 to 9/A1 to A9 are accused of offence punishable under Section 3(1)(x) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (in short, the Act), along with another. The private complaint filed by the 2nd respondent was forwarded by the Magistrate to the Police for investigation under Section 156(3) Cr.P.C. and it was registered as Crime No.452 of 2008 by the Sircilla Police for offences under Sections 500, 506 I.P.C. and Section 3(1)(x) of the Act. After investigation, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sircilla, referred the case as false. The 2nd respondent filed Protest Petition before the Magistrate and it was enquired into. During enquiry, the de facto complainant and three others gave their sworn statements. After recording the sworn statements, the Magistrate took cognizance of the case for offence under Section 3(1)(x) of the Act, by passing the following order:

“Perused the record and the statements of PWs 1 to 4. The accusation is found. Cognizance is taken for the offence under Section 3(1)(x) of SC & STs prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, against A1 to A10. Issue summons to A1 to A10 and call on 11.06.2009. Off