Asaram case: Move HC if witnesses threatened, SC to Rajasthan

Apex court asked the state government to approach the high court, seeking cancellation of bail granted to four of Asaram's aides

 

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Rajasthan government for failing to take any action on the threats being given to witnesses by the aides of self-styled religious figure Asaram Bapu, facing trial for alleged sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl at his Jodhpur ashram.

The apex court asked the state government to approach the high court, seeking cancellation of bail granted to four of his aides — Shiva, Shilpi, Sharad and Prakash — if any fresh attempt of intimidation of witnesses is made by Asaram or on his behalf, along with evidence.
 

A vacation bench of Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy took strong exception to the statement of Rajasthan government counsel.

"Tell us what action has been taken. Do you (Rajasthan government) think every thing is correct? SHO (Station House Officer) is being threatened in court. You can't take the court for a ride. You have to take a stand. Why have you not moved the high court seeking cancellation of bails, if you had proper proof of intimidation. People are suffering due to you," the bench said.

The bench added, "law and order is the responsiblity of a state. You (state government) can't just say that a First Information Report has been registered and investigation is being done. If you are toothless, helpless, clueless or powerless, then tell us and we will give the probe to some other agency."

The bench's observation came when advocate Kamini Jaiswal appearing for Karamvir Singh, father of the 16-year-old girl, said the aides of Asaram were threatening witnesses, including a police officer associated with the case.

The apex court asked the counsel whether any witness had complained of any threat extended to them or was there any evidence to corroborate the allegations.