M.A. KUTTAPPAN vs E. KRISHNAN NAYANAR

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in quashing the order of the Special Judge under Section 3(1)(x) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Section 7(1)(d) of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The Court emphasized that derogatory remarks made by a public figure against a Scheduled Caste member can constitute an offence under these statutes. The appeal was allowed, reinstating the Special Judge's order to take cognizance of the offences.