Rajasthan: MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati gets relief from HC

Jodhpur, Jul 7 (PTI) The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday ordered an interim stay on proceedings against Independent MLA from Sheo Ravindra Singh Bhati and five others in a case registered against them on a complaint by a folk singer. The FIR was filed under Sections 351 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to alleged criminal intimidation and acts or words intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Justice Sanjeet Purohit directed that no further action in the case will be taken until the next hearing, after Bhati, represented by advocate Yogendra Singh Charan, approached the High Court for relief. After hearing both sides, the single-judge bench granted interim protection to the legislator and observed that prima facie the complaint appeared to have been influenced by political motives and interests. The case stems from a social-media row involving Bhati and singer Chotu Singh Rawna. An FIR was registered at the Sheo police station on April 1 after Rawna accused Bhati of threatening him and making objectionable remarks concerning women members of his family. The dispute reportedly began after Rawna commented on a post claiming that Bhati had not responded to an appeal involving a child suffering from cancer. Rawna later alleged that Bhati personally called him after the post and issued threats. The issue subsequently drew protests from members of the Rawna community, who submitted memorandums to the district administration demanding action against the MLA. PTI CORR RT