Jharkhand's Health Minister, Dr. Irfan Ansari, presented himself before a court in Dumka on Tuesday, marking a significant development in a three-year-old case registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case, originally filed in Jamtara district in 2022, is now being heard in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge III, Rajesh Sinha, in Dumka.
The Core Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The matter stems from a land dispute within the limits of Narayanpur police station in Jamtara. In the First Information Report (FIR), a woman named Sushila Devi, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste category, accused the minister of using caste-based slurs against her during the altercation. Based on her complaint, relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code along with specific provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, were invoked.
The case, now numbered as SC/ST Case No 06 of 2023 (previously SC/ST Case No 08 of 2022), saw its next date of hearing scheduled following the minister's appearance. Representing Dr. Ansari, advocate Raja Khan argued that his client has no connection to the disputed land and has been falsely implicated in a quarrel between the complainant and another party.
High Court's Pivotal Ruling in 2024
Earlier, Minister Ansari had approached the Jharkhand High Court seeking the quashing of the criminal proceedings against him. However, in a crucial order passed in September 2024, the High Court declined his plea. The court observed that a prima facie case was made out against him, thereby allowing the trial to proceed in the Dumka court.
While paving the way for the trial to continue, the High Court provided some relief to the minister by ordering that he be exempted from coercive steps, such as arrest, in connection with this case.
What Happens Next?
The court's refusal to quash the case sets the stage for a full trial, where evidence from both sides will be examined. This legal development keeps the spotlight on the minister and the serious allegations under a special law designed to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and abuse. The proceedings are being closely watched as they involve a sitting minister in a case that touches upon sensitive issues of caste and land rights in Jharkhand.
The next steps in the judicial process will unfold as the Dumka court continues to hear the matter, with the complainant seeking justice and the minister maintaining his stance of being a victim of false implication.
