JUDGMENT

N.J. Jamadar, J.—This appeal under Section 14A of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (“the SC and ST Act”) is directed against an order dated 24th February, 2022, in Criminal Appeal No. 526 of 2022, whereby the learned Special Judge, Thane, was persuaded to reject the application of the applicant-accused for pre-arrest bail in connection with CR No. 19 of 2002 registered with CBD Belapur Police Station, Thane, for the offences punishable under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC and ST Act.

2. Admit.

3. Heard finally.

4. The indictment against the appellant-accused is that the appellant had known the prosecutrix, who is a member of the scheduled caste, as the appellant had an occasion to interview the prosecutrix for the post of Tele-Caller with the Five Bridge Company, Belapur, Navi Mumbai. The prosecutrix was informed that she was not selected. However, the appellant tried to establish rapport with the prosecutrix and made advances towards her. The prosecutrix did not cave in to the advances of the appellant with ill motive.

5. In the month of January, 2022, the prosecutrix was offered appointment on the post of Tele-ca