ORDER

1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid arrangement (video conferencing/physical mode).

2. Heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for the State.

3. This Criminal Appeal has been filed under section 14-A(2) of the S.C. & S.T. (PoA) Act read with section 482 of the Cr.P.C. challenging the order dated 28.08.2023 passed by the learned Special Judge, Kalahandi, Bhawanipatna in C.T. Case No.1064 of 2021 (Special Act) in rejecting the petition under section 205 of Cr.P.C. filed by the appellant Dr. Hemangini Meher dispensing with her personal appearance in the case.

4. The case was instituted on the basis of the written report presented by one Sangita Naik before the I.I.C., Bhawanipatna Town Police Station on 30.09.2021 and accordingly, the case under sections 294/341/323 of the I.P.C. was registered and on completion of investigation, charge sheet was submitted on 20.03.2022 against the appellant under sections 341/323 of the I.P.C. read with section 3(2)(va) of the S.C. & S.T. (PoA) Act.

5. The prosecution case, in short, is that on 30.09.2021 at about 9.00 a.m. when the informant had come from Th. Rampur along with one pregnant lady Khiramani Jhadia to the Dist