Karuppudayar vs. State Rep. by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lalgudi Trichy and Ors. (31.01.2025 – SC)

The Supreme Court of India addressed the appeal by Karuppudayar against the State and others, challenging the High Court of Madras’s dismissal of his petition to quash criminal proceedings under the SC-ST Act. The core issue was whether the alleged caste-based insult occurred “within public view,” a requirement under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Act. The Court found that the incident took place within the complainant’s office, not in public view, thus not constituting an offence under the Act. Citing the precedent in Bhajan Lal, the Court quashed the High Court’s order and the charge-sheet, allowing the appeal.