We won’t arrest Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat in hate speech case: Karnataka govt’s lawyer tells HC
Bengaluru: During the hearing of a petition seeking the quashing of the case against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for making derogatory remarks about Muslim women, the government's lawyer informed the High Court on Thursday that there is no intention to arrest Prabhakar Bhatt.
The case against Bhat was registered following his controversial comments praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, particularly applauding the criminalization of triple talaq. Bhat claimed that Muslim women were granted "permanent husbands" through this legal intervention.
In response to the petition filed in the High Court seeking the quashing of the case, Bhat's counsel argued that it was a politically motivated complaint and cited the accused's age and health condition. The counsel requested the court to stay the FIR, expressing concerns that Bhatt might be arrested.
S. Balan, the advocate for the complainant, objected to the stay, highlighting the impact of Bhat's statements on society and the ongoing protests. Balan suggested filing sedition charges, including UAPA, against Bhat, characterizing him as a potential instigator of communal riots.
The government's lawyer clarified during the hearing, "We do not intend to arrest Prabhakar Bhat in this case," and requested the court to schedule the next date for the trial. The trial judge, taking note of the government's stance, stated, "There is no need to discuss the stay on the case if the government does not intend to arrest Bhat." The hearing was adjourned to January 9, 2024.
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Congress targets Maharashtra govt over acid attack on minor girl
Mumbai, Mar 18 (PTI): An alleged acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner prompted the Congress to slam the Maharashtra government in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, alleging deterioration in law and order in the state.
Calling the alleged incident in Ahilyanagar district “extremely disturbing”, Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of failing to curb crimes against women and minor girls.
Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, Wadettiwar demanded an immediate discussion, claiming that the minor is in a serious condition and the accused are yet to be arrested.
He questioned how the accused managed to flee after committing such a serious offence. The Congress leader also criticised the functioning of the local police, alleging inefficiency and corruption, and said such lapses embolden criminals.
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Wadettiwar further claimed that incidents of atrocities against minor girls have increased in the state, and the government has failed to take effective action.
Speaker Rahul Narwekar took note of the issue and directed the government to present a detailed statement in the house on the incident at the earliest.
Congress member Nana Patole demanded that the girl be brought to Mumbai and given better medical care for free.
He said the girl has suffered serious facial injuries that could affect her future. The incident reflects poorly on the administration, he said.
Failure to apprehend the culprit has heightened anxiety among citizens and the victim’s family, he added.
