Come clean in full blown trial: HC tells M'luru lawyer accused of sexually harassing law student
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has dismissed the appeal petition filed by senior advocate K.S.N. Rajesh Bhat, who sought to quash the sexual harassment case filed against him by a law student. The petition requested the quashing of case filed at the Mangaluru Women’s Police station and the ongoing criminal proceedings in the third JMFC court.
The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, made the ruling on Tuesday after considering the statements of the victim and the arguments put forth by the petitioner. The court emphasized that intervening in the matter would undermine the gravity of such horrific acts perpetrated against interns in advocate offices.
The bench expressed concern about the chilling effect such incidents could have on the legal profession, particularly when young, aspiring law students join as interns. It stated that it is the accused's responsibility to prove his innocence through a proper trial.
The accused, who held a position of trust and authority akin to that of a teacher, faces allegations under Section 376(2)(F) of the Indian Penal Code. The court determined that further investigation is necessary, considering the provided CCTV footage and other evidence related to the case.
The complainant, a second-year law student, had joined the accused's office as an intern in August 2021 and received a stipend of Rs 6,000. The allegations against the senior advocate include sending private videos to the student's mobile, monitoring her movements through office CCTV cameras, and forcibly pulling her into his cabin on September 25, 2021, during non-working hours.
Additional allegations involve inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment. The victim managed to escape the office and immediately confronted the senior advocate. She reported that the accused had threatened to harm her if she lodged a complaint against him.
Following the incident, the victim approached the person who referred her to the accused's office as well as the accused's wife. Subsequently, she filed a police complaint, leading to a prolonged search for the accused. Eventually, he surrendered at a local court in Mangaluru, Karnataka, after evading authorities for an extended period.
In connection with the case, the police department suspended two officers, including a woman sub-inspector, for dereliction of duty. Furthermore, three individuals were arrested, and lookout notices were issued at all airports to prevent the accused from fleeing the country.
Bank accounts belonging to the accused and other individuals involved were frozen, and Rajesh Bhat's membership with the Karnataka State Bar Council has been suspended until further notice due to the FIR against him. The charges levied against him include outraging the modesty of the victim, sexual harassment, criminal force with the intent to disrobe, voyeurism, stalking, criminal intimidation, extortion, and destruction of evidence.
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Sambhal violence: Protesters to pay for damage to property, posters of 'stone pelters' to be put up
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government will make protesters involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property while posters of "stone pelters" will be displayed at public places, an official said on Wednesday.
Four people died and scores, including police personnel, were injured in Sambhal on Sunday after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi area, following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.
"The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson said.
In a similar initiative, the government had previously put up posters of individuals linked to vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. These posters were displayed across several locations, including the state capital, but were later removed following a court order.
The violence in Sambhal erupted on Sunday when a large crowd gathered near a mosque and began chanting slogans as a survey team resumed its work. The situation escalated when the protesters clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and pelted stones.
So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.
A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."
