In a recent legal development, the Bombay High Court has declined the anticipatory bail application of Rakhi Sawant, a case that has attracted significant public and media attention. The plea was connected to allegations made by her estranged husband, Adil Durrani, accusing Sawant of disseminating his private, sexually explicit videos across various media platforms.
Sawant’s legal journey saw her challenging the decision of a sessions court, which had initially dismissed her request for anticipatory bail. Despite her efforts, she faced a setback in February 2024 when she decided to retract her plea from the High Court. This decision came after Justice Sarang Kotwal indicated a reluctance to provide the sought relief.
In a subsequent move, Sawant sought recourse at the Supreme Court. However, the apex court’s stance remained firm, allowing her withdrawal of the Special Leave Petition but with the provision to seek an alternative legal remedy as per the law. This dismissal was underscored by the liberty granted to Sawant to pursue other legal avenues.
Undeterred, Sawant re-approached the High Court with her anticipatory bail plea. Nonetheless, her efforts were met with resistance once more when Justice Kotwal dismissed the application. Emphasizing the gravity of commitments made in court, Justice Kotwal remarked on the importance of maintaining the sanctity of statements presented before the judiciary.
The court’s decision was influenced by the unconditional withdrawal of Sawant’s initial anticipatory bail plea and her subsequent withdrawal at the Supreme Court level. Justice Kotwal, reflecting on these actions, stated that it would be inappropriate for the court to entertain Sawant’s application under such circumstances, leading to the dismissal of her plea.
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The backdrop of this legal battle traces to the brief and tumultuous marriage between Sawant and Durrani, marred by public disputes and differences. In an attempt to defend herself against Durrani’s public criticisms, Sawant reportedly showcased personal videos of him, which has now become the crux of the legal contention.
Adding to Sawant’s challenges, the Dindoshi sessions court had earlier denied her anticipatory bail, citing her failure to surrender her phone, which was crucial for advancing the investigation.
