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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Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship: How to apply, when to apply; details here
Bengaluru: The Azim Premji Foundation has announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for the academic year 2025–26, aimed at supporting up to 2.5 lakh girls across 18 Indian states who are pursuing higher education after completing school. An official release from the foundation also stated that in the coming years the scholarship will be implemented across the country.
When to Apply:
According to a release from the foundation, the application process for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025–26 will commence in September 2025. “Details of the program and any changes in the program design or coverage will be notified at the start of the application process,” the release added.
Where to Apply:
According to the release, the scholarship this year will be implemented across 18 states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Students residing in these states and enrolled in recognised higher education institutions will be eligible to apply.
How to Apply:
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Girls who have completed their Class 10 and 12 education in government (public) schools and have secured admission in a bona fide higher education institution either a government-run college/university or select private institutions can apply for the scholarship.
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Once the application portal opens in September, students will be required to submit personal details, educational qualifications, proof of admission, and bank account information.
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The scholarship amount ₹30,000 per year will be transferred directly into the students' bank accounts in two instalments each academic year, read the release.
