Kataka: The Orissa High Court has lifted its stay on the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against singer Sourin Bhatt after he failed to appear before the lower court despite being directed to do so.
The High Court expressed displeasure over Bhatt’s non-compliance with its direction and instructed the lower court to take firm steps to secure his appearance in the case.
The Kataka SDJM Court had issued the NBW against Bhatt on November 23, 2023, following his repeated absence from proceedings. Bhatt later approached the High Court challenging the warrant, following which the court had stayed its execution and directed him to surrender before the lower court.
During the proceedings, Bhatt’s counsel had assured the High Court that he would appear before the lower court by August 20. However, he did not do so within the stipulated period. Taking note of his failure to comply with the undertaking, the High Court withdrew the protection granted earlier and allowed the NBW to remain operative.
Bhatt is facing allegations of physically and mentally harassing a woman from Cuttack after allegedly promising to marry her and help her pursue a career in singing.
According to the FIR, the woman alleged that Bhatt had taken Rs 10 lakh from her but failed to return the money. She had initially approached Jagatpur police station, following which the complaint was referred to the Mahila Police Station in Kataka.
Police subsequently registered a case against Bhatt under Sections 294, 323, 341, 376, 417, 493 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
The latest High Court order means that the NBW issued by the lower court is no longer covered by the earlier stay, and the lower court can proceed with steps to secure Bhatt’s appearance.
