The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi High Court to dispose of within four months a petition filed by Bhanvi Singh, wife of Uttar Pradesh MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, under the Domestic Violence Act.
A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the direction after refusing to entertain Singh’s plea for relief at this stage, observing that the matter is already pending before the high court and is next listed on February 12.
“On that day, the petitioner is at liberty to press for early disposal of this case,” the bench said, while adding that the high court should consider the request “having regard to the facts of the case as alleged by the petitioner’s wife”.
The apex court also took note that the Delhi High Court has stayed the summons issued to the Kunda MLA by the trial court. It clarified that the four-month timeline was being fixed in light of the pendency and the interim relief already granted to the legislator.
Bhanvi Singh has accused Raja Bhaiya of years of physical and mental abuse, according to her complaint. The case stems from an FIR registered at Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave police station following her allegations.
She has further alleged harassment at the hands of her in-laws, including her mother-in-law. According to the police, the couple has been living separately for several years.
The summons issued to the MLA by the trial court in the domestic violence case were stayed by the Delhi High Court, prompting Singh to approach the Supreme Court for expeditious adjudication.
Raghuraj Pratap Singh, popularly known as Raja Bhaiya, is an influential independent MLA from Kunda in Uttar Pradesh and has served multiple terms in the state legislature. The domestic violence case has drawn public attention due to the political stature of the accused and the serious nature of the allegations levelled by his estranged wife.
The Supreme Court’s directive is expected to accelerate the high court’s hearing, which has been pending amid procedural delays.
