This is an appeal filed under Section 14-A of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (for short ‘the Act’). The challenge in the appeal is to the order dated 22.04.2024 in Crl.M.P.No.171 of 2024 passed by the Special Court for the trial of Offences under SC/ST(POA) Act, 1989, Nedumangad.

2. The appellant is accused No.1 in Crime No.335/2024 of Cantonment Police Station. The appellant and the other accused are alleged to have committed offence punishable under Section 3 (1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Prosecution case:-

3.1 Respondent No.2/the de facto complainant is a member of the Scheduled Caste community. The appellant is not a member of the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. She is a classical dancer and trainer. On 08.10.2018, respondent No.2 made a complaint against the appellant before the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, alleging that she humiliated him on account of his belonging to a Scheduled Caste. On 19.03.2024, the appellant was interviewed by Shri.Sumesh, the Chief Editor of ‘DNA You Tube’ Channel, for 30.59 minutes at her residenc