Karnataka High Court Grants Stay Order on Investigation of Rape Accusations Against Lingayat Seer

In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has issued a stay order on the investigation into rape allegations against Lingayat seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru of the Jagadguru Murugha Rajendra Bruhanmath in Chitradurga. The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, granted the stay order for cases pending before the Second Additional District and Sessions Court of Chitradurga.

Senior counsel C.V. Nagesh, representing the accused seer, argued for the transfer of the witness investigation process to another court, citing prejudiced actions by the local court. Nagesh further highlighted delays in issuing release orders following bail grants, leading to the seer’s unnecessary three-day imprisonment.

The High Court’s intervention aims to address concerns about procedural violations and potential misuse of legal processes against the accused seer, who faces charges under the POCSO Act and other legal provisions. The case has garnered attention for its legal complexities and the seer’s recent re-arrest on November 20, subsequently overturned by the High Court.