WhatsApp messages on caste not an offence under SC/ST Act

The Bombay High Court dismissed a case against a woman accused of sending caste-related WhatsApp messages to her ex-boyfriend, who belonged to the Chambhar Community, Scheduled Caste.

The couple, who had secretly married, later separated, allegedly after the woman discovered her partner’s caste. The man filed a complaint, alleging the messages were derogatory and promoted animosity against Scheduled Castes.

The Court found that the messages did not fulfil the legal conditions under Section 3(1)(u) of the SC/ST Act, which deals with promoting ill-will or hatred against SC and ST.

 The case was closed due to insufficient evidence of any offence.