HON’’BLE SRI JUSTICE G.V.SEETHAPATHY Crl.P. No.5268 OF 2010 O R D E R : This Criminal Petition is filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. for quashing the proceedings in Crime No.18 of 2010 of Pedamanapuram Police Station, Vizianagaram District. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner/accused and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent/State. Perused the records. Based on a complaint given by the 2nd respondent, police registered a case in Crime No.18 of 2010 against the petitioner alleging the offences under Section 3(i)(x) of SC & ST (POA) Act 1989. According to the complainant, he belongs to Scheduled Caste and that on 23.04.2010 at about 7.00 A.M., during an enquiry conducted by one Nagalaxmi in connection with the works taken up under the employment guarantee scheme, the complainant was abused by the petitioner and others in the name of his caste alleging that he was not deposing before the Enquiry Officer in the manner directed by them and that the petitioner pulled the complainant by collar and abused him in the name of his caste, though the complainant was telling the truth before the Enquiry Officer and that the incident was witnessed by Srinivasa Rao and others, who came to his rescue. As seen from the contents of the complaint, specific allegations were made against the petitioner, prima facie attracting the ingredients of the offence alleged under Section 3(i)(x) of SC & ST (POA) Act 1989. The truth or otherwise of the said allegation can come out only after due investigation and the said aspect cannot be considered at this stage. It is well settled that the inherent powers of the Court under Section 482 Cr.P.C. have to be exercised with due care and caution and they cannot be invoked to stall the investigation into a complaint, that too, at the threshold stage and especially when specific allegations, prima facie attracting ingredients of the alleged offence are made. In the circumstances, it is therefore considered not a fit case to invoke the inherent powers of the Court under Section 482 Cr.P.C. and quash the further proceedings in Crime No.18 of 2010 of Pedamanapram Police Station. The investigation may therefore go on. But, however, the petitioner may not be arrested till the conclusion of the investigation and filing of the charge sheet, if any. In the result, the Criminal Petition is dismissed with the above direction. _____________________ G.V.SEETHAPATHY, J 13th December, 2010 PNV