Victim’s Statement Alone is Sufficient to Frame Charges under SC/ST Act: Kerala High Court

The Court held that an accused cannot be discharged merely because other witness statements do not disclose the ingredients of the offence under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST Act.

It observed that the statement of the aggrieved person alone is sufficient if it prima facie discloses the offence.

The Court further observed that the law does not require multiple witnesses, and the testimony of a solitary, reliable witness can sustain charges.

The appeal against dismissal of the discharge plea was accordingly rejected.

[Reshmi Saseendran v. State of Kerala & Anr.]