Koppal Court sentences 98 to life imprisonment for crimes against Scheduled Caste members, a powerful stand against decades of marginalisation
Team Clarion
KOPPAL – In a decisive moment for justice in India’s legal system, a sessions court in Karnataka’s Koppal district delivered a historic judgment, convicting 101 people for severe crimes committed against members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Marakumbi village.
The case, dating back to 2014 and titled State of Karnataka vs. Manjanath and Others, focused on a brutal incident of violence against individuals from the Madiga community following an altercation over cinema tickets. The judgment, which comes nearly a decade after the crime, has been hailed as a crucial victory for human rights and an assertion of dignity for marginalised communities.
The conviction resulted in 98 of the accused being sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 3(2)(iv) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, marking a rare and stern stance by the judiciary. For three others who were from a Scheduled Caste background, the court issued a lighter sentence of five years in prison, along with a fine of ₹2,000 for their involvement in rioting, since charges of caste-based abuse were not applicable to them.
The incident at the heart of this case occurred in August 2014. A complaint alleged that a minor disagreement over purchasing cinema tickets rapidly escalated into a violent attack against the Madiga community in Marakumbi. According to the complainants, the accused stormed into the community’s residential area, shouting abusive and caste-based slurs, physically assaulting members, and setting several homes ablaze. These acts of violence left the community traumatised and struggling to rebuild their lives.
During the investigation, a total of 117 individuals faced charges under various sections of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Act, which includes Section 3(1)(x) for caste-based insults and threats, Section 3(1)(xi) for assault with intent to violate the dignity of SC/ST women, and Section 3(2)(iv) for arson and property destruction. Eleven of the accused died while the case was ongoing, while two minors involved were handed over to the Juvenile Justice Board.
Presiding over the judgment, Special Judge C. Chandra Shekhar highlighted the severe implications of the crime for the community and society as a whole. He began his remarks with a quote by African-American singer Marian Anderson, stating, “No matter how great a nation is, it cannot be stronger than its weakest people. And as long as you keep a man down, a part of you must be there to keep him down, so that means you can’t fly as high as you can.” Judge Shekhar underscored that mercy in this instance would undermine the principles of justice, adding, “To show mercy in such a case would be a travesty of justice.”
The court found compelling evidence of caste-based violence in the accused’s attacks on SC community members, particularly targeting women with the intent to violate their dignity. The community had suffered physical and psychological wounds due to being assaulted with sticks, stones, and bricks, and having their homes set on fire. The judge noted, “Given the severity of these acts, a sentence exceeding the minimum is essential to uphold justice.”
The court’s decision was grounded in the testimony of 35 witnesses, including women and children from the affected community, whose accounts remained consistent over the extended period of legal proceedings. Despite the delays, these testimonies were corroborated by medical and forensic evidence, strengthening the case against the accused. Defense attempts to question the credibility of the witnesses were ultimately dismissed, as their statements consistently aligned with the objective evidence.
One significant aspect of the case was the argument put forward by the defence that several accused were merely farmers or daily wage labourers who allegedly played no role in the violence or arson. However, the court ruled out leniency on these grounds, reasoning that participation in or tolerance of such a serious offense could not be excused, irrespective of socio-economic background. Citing the 2017 Supreme Court decision in Manjula Devi vs. Omkarjit Singh Ahluwalia, Judge Shekhar emphasised the continued challenges faced by SC/ST communities, who routinely experience discrimination and violence despite constitutional protections.
The case is part of a broader trend in India where the judiciary has increasingly taken a firm stance against caste-based atrocities. In a similar high-profile case in 2003, 27 individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment in Chhattisgarh for the murder of NCP treasurer Ramavatar Jaggi, a decision that was upheld by the High Court earlier this year in April. Likewise, in 2022, a court in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, sentenced 17 people to life imprisonment for a double murder, marking a rare instance of simultaneous life sentences for multiple accused.
These cases demonstrate that the legal system is beginning to address the enduring and often violent prejudice faced by marginalised communities. According to legal analysts, such verdicts signify a commitment to ensuring justice, especially in cases involving systemic oppression and social biases.
Judge Shekhar’s comments extended beyond the immediate legal context to the social significance of the judgment. He observed that, while laws exist to protect SC/ST communities, enforcement remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas where caste hierarchies remain deeply entrenched. He remarked, “Despite legislative measures, the SC/ST community faces a relentless cycle of harassment, humiliation, and violence.” The judge emphasised that the judiciary must play a proactive role in not only delivering justice but also setting a deterrent precedent for future offenders.
For the families and victims in Marakumbi village, this verdict is a long-overdue acknowledgment of their suffering. The brutal assault had left an indelible impact on their lives, and many had awaited justice with apprehension as the case stretched over several years. A victim who testified recounted, “For years, we lived in fear, unsure if those who hurt us would ever be punished. Today, we feel that justice has finally been served.”
Activists and advocates for SC/ST rights have welcomed the verdict, emphasising that it sends a strong message that violence against marginalised communities will not go unpunished. “This judgment is not just about punishing the guilty; it’s about validating the pain and suffering of an entire community,” said Anjali Kumar, an advocate for Dalit rights. She added that the court’s decision is a critical step towards changing societal attitudes, urging more proactive efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
The Koppal verdict shines a light on the persistence of caste-based discrimination in modern India, where Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes continue to face various forms of exclusion and violence. With laws like the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in place, the court’s firm action underscores the potential of India’s legal system to challenge social injustices and enforce accountability, no matter how deeply rooted the prejudices may be.
The sentencing in this case marks a hopeful chapter for justice in India, reflecting the judiciary’s dedication to uphold the principles of equality and dignity for all. While the scars from the 2014 attack may never fully heal for Marakumbi’s Madiga community, the court’s resolute verdict is a step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society, where no one is above the law, and every citizen, regardless of caste, can live without fear of oppression.
