HC
Karnataka High Court Upholds Acquittal in 2009 Ambedkar Portrait Atrocity Case
Nyaya Prep • Published • Updated • 3 min read
The Karnataka High Court dismissed the State’s appeal against the acquittal of twenty-six people in a 2009 case concerning removal of a portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Key development
The acquittal of the accused remains undisturbed after dismissal of the State appeal.
The acquittal of the accused remains undisturbed after dismissal of the State appeal.
Background
The prosecution alleged offences under the SC/ST Act. The trial court had acquitted the accused after examining witness accounts and other evidence.
Legal issue and reasoning
The High Court found material contradictions in eyewitness testimony and did not consider the acquittal legally unsustainable. Its decision does not endorse disrespect toward Ambedkar or diminish the protections of the statute.
Outcome and next step
The acquittal of the accused remains undisturbed after dismissal of the State appeal.
Act: SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Original report: LiveLaw
- SC/ST Act and Criminal Evidence
- HC
- 9 October 2026