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The Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana today while hearing a case seeking cancellation of bail of a rape accused remarked that the rape accused is a student leader and that political parties in power put up such hoardings. 

On April 11, the bench also consisting of Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli took a serious view of hoardings that read "Bhaiya is Back" being put up to welcome the accused after he was released on bail by Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Justice Hima Kohli had then remarked, “What are you celebrating after the bail? This says there was a hoarding which says ‘bhaiya is back’. What is this hoarding about?”

The counsel for the accused submitted that they were put up during the local body election.

It has been alleged that the accused entered into a physical relationship with the complainant for three years under the promise of marriage. According to the reports, the High Court had granted him bail in 45 days of being arrested.

When the matter came up for hearing, Sidharth Luthra, Sr. Adv, appearing for the accused argued that the hoardings were put up since the accused was a part of an organising committee of a festival. He argued that the other pictures on social media were put up by others and not him. He said, "Somebody posts these on social media. I am not posting these. Social media is problematic.”

He further argued that the complainant being a model poses with bridal dresses and sindoor and that the picture of her in bridal clothes has nothing to do with the case.

Luthra said, “Its a case about a consensual relationship with a promise to marry. Things broke down when I found out she was in another relationship.” 

The CJI further enquired as to what the accused does. Luthra replied that he is a law student and a student leader.

The counsel for the complainant at this point submitted that she wants to explain the hoardings. The CJI at this point remarked, 
"He is a student leader, whatever party is in power would like to put up such hoardings.”

The counsel for the State of Madhya Pradesh submitted that there are six cases against the accused and some of them are in the stage of trial.

The court on hearing the submissions of the parties reserved the case for orders.

Case title: Ms. P Vs State of Madhya Pradesh