MAHENDRA SINGH SALUJA vs STATE OF U P

The Supreme Court held that a Special Court designated under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 retains its character as a Sessions Court and can conduct trials for offences under the Act. The Court found that the High Court's decision to set aside the conviction under Section 376 IPC on the grounds of jurisdiction was erroneous, as the Special Court is competent to try such offences. Consequently, the Supreme Court reinstated the conviction and sentence imposed by the Sessions Court.