Karnataka High Court restricts visits to women paraded naked

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has imposed restrictions on visitors to the Belagavi assault victim, citing concerns over her health and ongoing medical treatment.

The decision was made in light of a distressing incident where the woman was stripped and subjected to physical assault by villagers after her son eloped with a girl.

Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale, in an urgent hearing held on Saturday in his chamber, issued the order after observing a news report on television regarding plans for representatives of the National Human Rights Commission and a political party to visit the victim.

Expressing concern over the victim's health, the Chief Justice emphasised, "The flow of visitors is likely to affect the health condition of the victim and disturb the ongoing medical treatment."

The court's directive outlined specific restrictions: "No person, individual, groups, associations, political parties, or the like shall visit the place of the victim except with the prior written permission of the medical officer in-charge of the hospital or the doctor treating the victim."

However, the order clarified that it wouldn't impede family members, statutory authorities, investigating agencies, or official representatives from visiting the victim when necessary.

The High Court had taken cognisance of the incident in a village in Hukkeri Taluk, Belagavi District, on December 12, and subsequently directed the Belagavi Commissioner to personally appear in court on December 18, seeking an additional report on the investigation. Additionally, the court ordered the immediate arrest of the offenders involved in the assault.