Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 27: Expressing dissatisfaction at the way the case proceedings are being handled, Premalata Shastri, who has filed a case of rape against head of Sri Ramachandrapur Math, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, has approached the state high court praying that the case be transferred to another judge.

"The Swamiji had applied for anticipatory bail. He was granted 30 days of conditional bail. When police officials sought cancellation of this bail, the court did not uphold their application. Orally the judge says he will positively consider the application if the Swamiji seeks to be released from this case. In case of serious offences including rape, investigating officers have the provision of furnishing additional proofs and evidences. The judge also has assured the Swamiji that he would not be allowed to be subjected to medical examinations like Nityananda Swami. These things lead me to suspect that impartial hearing of this case may not be possible," she said in the application.

Premalata also said that courts involving atrocities on women need to be heard by a woman judge. She has therefore sought this case to be shifted to a court having woman judge as presiding officer. Advocate for petitioner, M T Naniah, filed this application.