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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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
