The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday ordered an interim stay on all legal proceedings against Ravindra Singh Bhati, the independent MLA representing the Sheo constituency, and five other individuals.
Justice Sanjeet Purohit directed that no further action is to be taken in the case until the next scheduled hearing. The order was issued after the legislator approached the court for relief through his counsel, advocate Yogendra Singh Charan.
Court Points To Political Motivation
Upon hearing arguments from both sides, the single-judge bench granted interim protection to the lawmaker. The court observed that, on the face of it, the complaint against Bhati seemed to be driven by political interests and motives.
The case involves charges registered under Sections 351 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to criminal intimidation and acts or words intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
Background Of Social Media Row
The legal matter originates from a dispute on social media between Bhati and folk singer Chotu Singh Rawna. An FIR was registered at the Sheo police station on April 1 after Rawna lodged a complaint accusing Bhati of threatening him and making offensive remarks about female members of his family.
According to reports, the conflict began after Rawna commented on a social media post that claimed Bhati had failed to respond to an appeal for a child suffering from cancer. Rawna alleged that Bhati called him personally after the post was published to issue threats.
The incident sparked protests from the Rawna community, who subsequently submitted memorandums to the district administration demanding that action be taken against the independent legislator.
