The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Punjab police not to arrest till February 3 the Lok Insaf Party MLA, Simarjeet Singh Bains, who is facing an arrest warrant in connection with a rape case.
Initially, the apex court was of the view that the accused MLA be permitted to remain out till February 23 for filing nomination papers and electioneering which was opposed by the lawyer of the alleged rape victim.Before the woman’s lawyer opposed the plea of Bains, a bench comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli observed: “We are not saying anything on merits. The high court is seized of the matter, it is unfortunate that the order has not been passed…We are only allowing him (the protection) till 23rd February … after that, he will surrender and get regular bail”.However, the bench took note of vehement submissions of advocate Gagan Gupta, appearing for the alleged rape victim, that it was not a case of a political vendetta at the time of polls, rather an FIR for committing rape has been lodged long back.As many as four criminal cases have been lodged against the complainant after she lodged the rape FIR, the lawyer said.
