Madras High Court Ruling on SC/ST Complaints

• Police cannot conduct preliminary inquiry on complaint receipt under the Act.

• No preliminary inquiry required for First Information Report (FIR) registration against suspects.

• Legislative intent is to ensure immediate, unfiltered registration of caste-based atrocities complaints.

• Director-General of Police/Head of Police Force to communicate order to all State Commissioners and Superintendents.

• Investigation in SC/ST cases must be completed and final reports/chargesheets filed within 60 days of FIR registratio