[Ramesh Jarkiholi Sex Scandal] No need to transfer investigation from SIT: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court on Saturday observed that investigation into the Ramesh Jarkiholi sex scandal need not be transferred from the Special Investigation Agency (SIT) to any other agency at this stage..A Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj examined three status reports submitted by the SIT before opining that transfer of probe is not required. .The status reports were submitted by Somendru Mukherjee IPS, head of SIT, which is investigating three cases related to the Ramesh Jarkiholi sex scandal case..The Court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the order of the Bengaluru Commissioner of Police to form the SIT to probe the defamation complaint filed by former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi in relation to sexual harassment allegations against him..Jarkiholi, a former minister in the BJP State government had to tender his resignation after being accused of demanding sexual favours from the unidentified woman in exchange for giving her a job..A CD containing footage of the alleged incident was leaked to the media. This prompted the Minister to file a complaint against unknown persons, accusing them of framing him. The State government responded by constituting an SIT to look into the minister's complaint prompting the present petitions before the High Court..The petitions also sought a direction to the Karnataka Police to conduct an investigation into the sexual harassment complaint in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)..One of petitions specifically prayed for transfer the Jarkiholi case investigation from SIT to any other specialised agency. .During the hearing on Saturday, the Court orally asked the petitioners to point out the provision of law under which action can be taken against media for publishing obscene content on Television.."Show us the statutory power vesting in the Government under which they can take action (against media for putting vulgar content) ...... Show us then, we will definitely pass order. And stop all this......Where is that power to stop telecast for media?" queried the Court..The matter will be next heard on May 31..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.