In Brief
The State of Meghalaya appealed against a High Court order transferring a murder case from the Sessions Court to the District Council Court. Both the victim and accused belonged to the Khasi Scheduled Tribe. The Supreme Court held that under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the District Council Court has exclusive jurisdiction to try criminal offences involving members of Scheduled Tribes. The deceased cannot be a party to the case, and the police officer acts in official capacity as part of State machinery. The Court upheld the transfer and directed the District Council Court to issue fresh summons and complete trial within one year.
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