In a recent decision, the High Court of Bombay at Aurangabad allowed Kausalyabai Bhujangrao Telang to avoid arrest before trial. She was accused in a case involving caste-based insults and harassment in Nanded. The decision, made by Judge Y. G. Khobragade, offers important insights into how the law dealing with offenses against Scheduled Castes and Tribes is applied.
On November 25, 2025, Ramdas Gajale filed a complaint at Itwara Police Station, Nanded. He claimed that his son, Deepak, was harassed over a loan, which led to his suicide on November 23, 2025. The accusations were against Kausalyabai Telang and others for demanding repayment and using caste-based insults.
"His son Deepak committed suicide by jumping into the Godavari riverbed due to harassment and caste insults," stated the complaint.
Kausalyabai Telang asked for bail before arrest, which was initially denied by the Additional Sessions Judge in Nanded on December 26, 2025. The case involved charges under certain sections of the Indian Penal Code and the law protecting Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
The defense argued that the allegations were mainly about money and didn't have strong evidence of caste-based insults. They mentioned previous cases to support their request for bail, pointing out that Kausalyabai Telang was not directly involved in the money dealings.
"The police report does not show any specific claim of cheating or forcing money from Kausalyabai Telang," argued the defense.
Judge Khobragade observed that the police report did not have specific details about the alleged caste insults. The court pointed out the lack of clear casteist remarks in the complaint, which is necessary for using the SC/ST Act.
"Just saying that Kausalyabai Telang insulted the informant based on caste is not enough," the judgment stated.
The court allowed Kausalyabai Telang to avoid arrest before trial, setting conditions like regular check-ins at the police station and not leaving Nanded without permission. The court stressed that the bail does not stop the ongoing investigation.
"Kausalyabai Telang is instructed to help with the investigation and not to influence or threaten witnesses," ordered the court.
This case highlights the need for detailed evidence in claims under the SC/ST Act and shows the court's role in balancing legal rules with individual rights.
