Calcutta High Court Refuses Relief to Timber Merchants in Tree Felling & Caste Abuse Case

The Calcutta High Court refused to grant relief to timber merchants accused of illegally felling nearly 1,000 trees, trespassing, and making casteist remarks against a Santhal woman.

The accused had sought quashing of criminal proceedings, but the Court found sufficient material to proceed with the case.

It noted that using caste-based terms in a derogatory manner in public view can attract offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Court held that such serious allegations require trial and cannot be dismissed at an early stage, thereby allowing the prosecution to continue.

[Idel SK @ Gaba SK & Anr. v. State of West Bengal & Anr.]