Rajasthan HC Quashes FIR Against Shilpa Shetty in SC/ST Act Case
Court Rules Term Was Not Caste-Based; Highlights Need for Proper Inquiry
In 2013, actress Shilpa Shetty used the term “Bhangi” during an interview, which led to significant backlash, legal troubles, and criticism. A case under the SC/ST Act was filed against her at the Kotwali police station in Churu, Rajasthan, and Bollywood star Salman Khan was also named in the case. However, the Rajasthan High Court has now provided major relief to Shilpa Shetty by quashing the FIR filed against her.
The controversy erupted when members of the Valmiki community alleged that the use of the word hurt their sentiments. Following public outrage, Shilpa Shetty had issued an apology on social media for her remarks.
High Court Ruling
The case, registered in December 2017, was recently heard by Justice Arun Monga of the Rajasthan High Court. In his judgment, Justice Monga clarified that FIRs under the SC/ST Act cannot be filed without a preliminary inquiry and clear grounds under the act. He further observed that the term “Bhangi” is not a caste or caste-based insult in this context but a colloquial term used as a self-reference, without intent to demean anyone.
Background of the Case
On December 22, 2017, Ashok Panwar, a member of the Valmiki community, lodged the FIR at the Churu Kotwali police station, accusing Shilpa Shetty and Salman Khan of using the term during public appearances and media interactions in 2013. Panwar claimed that their remarks deeply hurt the sentiments of the Valmiki community. A notice was issued to the accused on January 18, 2018, following an investigation.
The recent court ruling brings an end to the years-long legal battle for Shilpa Shetty while underlining the importance of proper procedure in registering cases under sensitive laws like the SC/ST Act.
