The Karnataka High Court has rejected anticipatory bail for a police constable accused of refusing to accept a woman as his wife despite a symbolic marriage and a long-term physical relationship because she belongs to a Scheduled Caste.
Justice S. Rachaiah observed that the complaint clearly alleges caste-based refusal, thereby attracting the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He held that Section 18A of the Act bars anticipatory bail when there is a prima facie case involving caste-based discrimination
The Court found sufficient grounds to proceed under the Act and declined to grant protection.
[Bagvantha Ray Basavantha Ray Biradar v. State of Karnataka]