P. Surendran vs State By Inspector Of Police

The Supreme Court held that the Madras High Court Registry's refusal to number the anticipatory bail application under the SC/ST Act was incorrect, particularly in light of the 2018 amendment introducing Section 18A, which clarifies that anticipatory bail provisions do not apply to cases under this Act. The Court emphasized that the maintainability of such petitions is a judicial function that must be adjudicated by the appropriate bench. Consequently, the Court directed that the anticipatory bail application should be numbered and heard on its merits.