Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 29: The state high court has again granted interim stay against the state government's order continuing the services of advocate, M Shantaram Shetty, as the special public prosecutor in the case pertaining to the murder of NRI entrepreneur, K Bhaskar Shetty.

The state government had, at the request of the mother of Bhaskar, Gulabi Shedthi,  appointed M Shantaram Shetty as special public prosecutor for this case on October 26,2016. Main accused in the case, Rajeshwari Shetty, had questioned the appointment in the high court, and secured stay against it. Gulabi Shedthi had sought clearance of the stay order. The high court, which heard the petition, vacated the stay on January 31, 2018. It also had informed Rajeshwari Shetty that she can file objections if any, to the state government.

Rajeshwari had submitted her objections against the appointment of Shantaram Shetty as special public prosecutor to the home secretary during the first week of February this year. Gulabi Shedthi had filed arguments against the objections on February 22. After perusal, the home department had issued orders,continuing Shantaram Shetty as the special public prosecutor in the case.

Rajeshwari Shetty filed writ petition in the court against this order. The high court, which issued interim stay against the appointment on March 20, adjourned hearing to April 6.

In view of the above adjournment, the district and sessions court here also adjourned the hearing into the bail application moved by accused, NiranjanBhat, in the case to April 9.