Delhi High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to YouTuber in SC/ST Act Case

The Delhi High Court has turned down the anticipatory bail application filed by YouTuber Ajeet Bharti in connection with a case registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, citing the legal framework governing such offences.

In its order, the High Court noted that the evidence on record established a prima facie case against Bharti under the provisions of the SC/ST Act. The bench observed that the legislation in question contains specific statutory provisions that restrict the grant of pre-arrest bail in cases involving such charges.

The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, enacted to protect members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes from exploitation and abuse, contains stringent provisions regarding bail eligibility. Courts have consistently held that anticipatory bail should not ordinarily be granted in cases falling under this legislation without careful consideration of the gravity of allegations.

The rejection of Bharti's plea means he does not have the protection of pre-arrest bail and remains liable to be arrested in connection with the case. The order underscores the High Court's adherence to the legislative intent behind the protective statute.

The matter now proceeds according to the regular course of criminal proceedings. Further developments in the case are expected as investigations continue.