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Madhya Pradesh High Court judge raises concern over misuse of SC/ST Act, says brokers get involved in such cases for compensation

Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Vivek Agarwal highlighted how middlemen or brokers exploit the legal system by filing bogus cases under the SC/ST Act to procure compensation for the victims and then claim a share in the payout.

During a division-bench workshop on the SC/ST Act and its implementation held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Vivek Agarwal raised concerns over the rampant misuse of this Act. He also expressed concern over the misuse of laws related to crimes against women.

Justice Agarwal, who was the chief guest at the event held on 12th January 2025, stressed the need for sincere investigation and honest prosecution of matters related to the SC/ST Act. He urged prosecution and police officials to investigate cases to thoroughly distinguish between genuine and false accusations. He said, “If we have the right, we also have the duty to ensure that an innocent person is not wrongfully punished. It is imperative to filter out inconsistencies and bring out the truth.” 

Justice Agrawal warned the public prosecution and police administration that there is a provision for compensation in the SC/ST Act. Therefore, as soon as such cases come to light, many middlemen also become active and trap innocent people in the name of getting compensation for the complainant. He highlighted how middlemen or brokers exploit the legal system by filing bogus cases under the SC/ST Act to procure compensation for the victims and then claim a share in the payout.

“Many times people are falsely implicated in SC/ST. Investigating officers should take care that in such cases innocent people are not implicated and the guilty should not escape. In this case, the administration, police and judiciary are lacking somewhere. Therefore, during the investigation, we should keep in mind that our credibility is not being damaged because of the middlemen. If we have the right, we also have the duty to ensure that an innocent person is not wrongfully punished. It is imperative to filter out inconsistencies and bring out the truth,” Justice Agarwal said.

In his speech, Justice Agarwal highlighted the case of two young men who were acquitted after serving six to seven years in prison for a false case and said, “The stigma of imprisonment ruins lives, making reintegration into society and finding employment nearly impossible. It is our responsibility to prevent such injustices.”

Justice Agarwal also expressed concern over the misuse of laws related to crimes against women, saying that false cases are being lodged to obtain compensation or to settle personal scores. He said,  “While crimes against women are grave and demand strict action, we must be vigilant against their misuse.”

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