Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 31: The special division bench formed to hear an appeal preferred by Sri Raghaveshwarateertha Swamiji of Ramachandrapur Math seeking dismissal of rape case registered against him on a complaint made by Premalata Shastri, reserved its orders after hearing arguments and counter arguments on Friday January 30.

While senior advocate, B V Acharya, placed his arguments on behalf of the Swamiji before the bench, additional advocate general, A S Ponnanna, presented arguments against the appeal before the bench comprising Justice Anand Byrareddy and Justice N Anand.

Acharya argued that as per constitution, protection of fundamental rights and right to privacy rank high. Alleging that the case in question was filed with the specific intention of ensuring that the Swamiji is arrested, he sought dismissal of the case.

On behalf of the prosecution, Ponnanna said that the Swamiji had showered his grace on the lady for three years, after which he tricked and regularly raped her. He claimed that every time she planned to complain against him, he silenced her by posing threats in the name of the Lord. He said that the Swamiji had cultivated the practice of keeping people in check by instilling in them fear towards wrath of god.

The bench questioned as to why the lady did not opt to keep distance from the Swamiji in the initial stage itself and avoid future complications. It also questioned criminal investigation department about the progress in investigation.

Ponnanna informed that the investigation is in final stages. He said that the government had entrusted the case to criminal investigation department as it was interested in unearthing the truth.