In Brief
A man was convicted under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly making caste-based insults at a neighbour with whom he had a property dispute. The High Court upheld the conviction. On appeal, the Supreme Court found that both parties had willingly agreed to settle and wanted to maintain cordial relations. The Court held that while the Atrocities Act protects vulnerable communities, its courts can quash proceedings under Article 142 when the offence is primarily private in nature, the victim consents freely, and the Act's protective purpose would not be undermined. The Court set aside convictions and allowed the appeal, prioritising peace and genuine reconciliation between the village neighbours.
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