AIROnline 2025 SC 971

Supreme Court Of India

(From : AIROnline 2016 MP 116)*

Hon'ble Judge(s): B. V. Nagarathna, K. V. Viswanathan , JJ

Criminal P.C. (2 of 1974) , S.482— Quashing of complaint - Prima facie case - Offences of cheating and forgery in furtherance of criminal conspiracy - Allegation that accused, a General category candidate, obtained Scheduled Caste ('Sansi') certificate from Sub-Divisional Officer, for the purpose of contesting election to Assembly Constituency reserved for scheduled caste - Subsequently, Scrutiny Committee had directed forfeiture of caste certificate - It was clearly alleged in complaint that accused persons belonged to General category and always held out themselves to be belonging to General category and only for the purpose of contesting election as a reserved candidate , submitted documents and affidavits and panchnama for obtaining the caste certificate - Complaint also contained allegations of forgery having been practiced for obtaining the certificate - Accused was beneficiary and caste certificate was the "property" which was obtained by deceiving authorities - Prima facie offences of cheating and forgery in furtherance of criminal conspiracy were made out - High Court had erred in quashing complaint AIROnline 2016 MP 116-Reversed (Para 20 21 22 24 26 27 28) ....