JUDGMENT

Shivashankar Amarannavar, J. - This appeal has been filed by accused Nos. 1 to 20 challenging the order dated 04.07.2022 passed in Criminal Miscellaneous No. 503/2022 by the learned Principal District and Sessions Judge, Koppal, whereunder anticipatory bail petition of these appellants filed under Section 438 of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Cr.P.C.', for brevity) in Crime No. 159/2021 of Gangavathi Rural Police Station registered for the offences punishable under Sections 143, 147, 148, 323, 324, 354, 504, 506 read with Section 149 of the India Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as the 'IPC', for brevity) and Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(1)(w), 3(2)(va) of The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (hereinafter referred to as 'SC & ST (POA) Act', for brevity), came to be rejected.

2. Heard learned counsel for the appellants, learned counsel for respondent No. 2 and learned High Court Government Pleader for respondent No. 1/State.

3. The case of the prosecution is that, one Shanmukappa S/o. Kariyappa has filed the complaint stating that on 29.05.2022 at about 10.30 a.m., when Neelamma, Somanath, Deva