Bangalore, November 8:
The Karnataka High Court today adjourned till November 29 the hearing of a criminal petition filed by self-styled godman Nityananda, praying for quashing of two FIRs -- including rape -- filed against him.
When the matter came up before Justice Hulwadi G Ramesh, the CID sought more time stating that the investigation is incomplete and mentioned that they are yet to record the statements of two witnesses who are in USA. Justice Ramesh asked the CID that why can’t that be done over the phone?
Counsel for the petitioner, K V Dhananjaya, in his submission, said the FIR has detrimental consequences on the petitioner as his passport has been seized. “He has to receive his doctorate from a foreign university, but he is unable to leave the country,” he said.
Contending that the FIRs are illegal, he sought to dispose the matter. It could be recalled that on October 20, Justice Arali Nagaraj, who was hearing the case, posted it for final hearing on November 8. However, he had recused from hearing the matter.
Nityananda landed in a controversy in March after a television channel aired a purported video footage showing him in a compromising position with a Tamil actress. He was later arrested on April 21 and was granted conditional bail on June 11.
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