In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has clarified that courts must not automatically reject anticipatory bail applications under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The ruling, delivered by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasizes that Section 18 of the SC/ST Act requires careful judicial examination of the specific facts and allegations presented in each case. The court highlighted that it is essential for judges to determine, prima facie, whether an offense under the SC/ST Act is substantiated before denying bail. This ruling arose from a case in Gujarat, where the accused was charged with serious allegations related to a failed promise of marriage involving a complainant from a Scheduled Caste community. The Supreme Court's decision is significant as it underscores the need for judicial discretion and scrutiny, especially in cases where the SC/ST Act is invoked alongside other criminal charges.