A fresh legal development has unfolded in the long-pending Sowjanya case, with a senior advocate filing an objection against the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report submitted to a court in Karnataka's Belthangady. The move comes just days after the renowned Dharmasthala Temple sought to be recognized as a victim in the same proceedings.
Objection Petition Filed Against SIT Report
On Saturday, senior advocate Dore Raju submitted an objection petition before the Belthangady court. He was acting on behalf of pro-Sowjanya activists. The core contention of the petition is that the SIT report submitted to the court is not maintainable because the investigation into the case is still pending and has not been concluded.
Speaking to reporters after filing the petition, Raju clarified his stance. He stated that he has also formally opposed an intervening application submitted earlier by advocates representing the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Temple.
Dharmasthala Temple Seeks Victim Status
The legal landscape of the case became more complex last Wednesday. On that day, a team of senior advocates representing the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Temple filed an intervening application in the same Belthangady court. In their application, they have requested the court to officially treat the Dharmasthala Temple as a victim in the infamous Mass Burial Case.
This application introduces a new dimension to the proceedings, potentially altering the course of the legal process.
Upcoming Court Dates and Proceedings
The court is now set to examine these competing petitions. Arguments from both sides are likely to be heard on January 23. This date is crucial for determining the immediate procedural direction of the case.
In a related procedural matter, the court will formally take cognisance of the offences mentioned in the SIT report. However, this step will only occur after a complete and final report is submitted by the investigating team. The current objection hinges on the argument that the report before the court is not yet that final document.
The Sowjanya case, which involves serious allegations and has seen multiple investigations, continues to be closely watched, with these latest filings adding another layer of legal scrutiny.
