LUCKNOW, Oct. 1 -- The court of special judge (SC/ST Act) here on Monday sentenced Guddi Raidas to one year and six months in prison for filing a false case under the SC/ST Act against the village head, citing electoral rivalry as the motive. Additional district Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi observed that the SC/ST Act was being misused to harass and intimidate innocent individuals. The prosecution stated that Guddi's brother-in-law had a dispute with Vinod and Anup Awasthi during the village panchayat election. On November 15, 2024, Guddi, through her sister-in-law, lodged complaint against opponents at the Mal police station. Malihabad CO Amol Murkut investigated the matter and found accused at their residences. Based on these findings, the court initiated proceedings against Guddi for filing a false case. The court noted that in a criminal case, the plaintiff serves as key witness and should not submit false complaints. It highlighted that Guddi misused act, which often removes provisions like anticipatory bail, to target the village head and others. htc...