WhatsApp messages expressing an opinion on caste reservation do not constitute an offense under the SC/ST Act: Bombay High Court

Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke observed that the WhatsApp messages exchanged between them, including forwarded messages via WhatsApp, only expressed views on caste reservation and did not promote feelings of enmity or hatred against SC/ST members.

“Going through the entire material, it turns out that the messages only represent the sentiments expressed regarding the Caste Reservation System. Such messages nowhere indicate that there has been any attempt to promote any enmity, hatred or ill will towards members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes… ANDat most it can be said that its target was solely the complainant. However, accused No. 1 has not written any word which would create or promote any ill will, hostility or hatred towards members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.” stated the Court.