Is the Bengal Monk Case a Miscarriage of Justice?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kartik Maharaj has filed for annulment of an FIR against him.
- The case highlights issues of timing and justice.
- The court has instructed parties to file affidavits.
- Legal proceedings will continue in a closed session.
- The allegations date back to 2013 but were reported only recently.
Kolkata, July 2 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has instructed all relevant parties to submit affidavits in the case involving Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj. He has filed a petition requesting the annulment of the FIR that accuses him of raping a woman over a span of six months in 2013.
During the hearing presided by Justice Jay Sengupta, legal representatives for the state sought additional time to present their arguments. They also assured the court that the police would refrain from taking any coercive action against Kartik Maharaj.
The bench agreed to the state counsel's request. The case is set to be heard again on Thursday afternoon, likely in a closed session.
Although the alleged incidents of rape and forced abortion reportedly occurred between January and June of 2013, the complaint was only filed last week. This coincides with ongoing protests in the state regarding the rape of a law student.
The Nabagram Police Station, under Murshidabad District Police, had summoned Kartik Maharaj to appear for questioning on July 1.
Instead of complying, he approached Justice Sengupta’s bench seeking the cancellation of the FIR filed against him, contesting the validity of the complaint stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred 13 years ago.
Kartik Maharaj has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the police's actions are intended to harass him as a monk.