On Monday, the Karnataka High Court declined to dismiss rape charges against Dr. Shivamurthy Muruga Sharanaru, the pontiff of Murugha Mutt in Chitradurga. He stands accused of sexually abusing two minor girls residing in hostels operated by the Mutt.
The Karnataka High Court on Monday made a crucial decision regarding the serious allegations against Shivamurthy Sharanaru, the pontiff of the esteemed Jagadguru Murugarajendra Vidyapeetha Mutt. Accused of sexually abusing two minor girls, the seer faced intense scrutiny under various legal frameworks, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
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Justice M Nagaprasanna of the Karnataka High Court presided over the case, delivering a judgment that has resonated throughout the state and beyond. While the court declined to quash the rape charges against Sharanaru, it acknowledged the need for a reevaluation of the legal charges framed against him. The judge pointed out that several laws had not been correctly applied, necessitating a reframing of the charges under the POCSO Act, Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
This decision underscores the complexity of legal proceedings, especially when they involve high-profile figures and sensitive accusations such as sexual abuse of minors. The bench also expressed its disagreement with the special court’s approach to framing the charges, suggesting that the court should have gone beyond acting as a mere “post office” for the prosecution’s submissions.
Previously, Sharanaru had been granted bail in 2023, subject to stringent conditions laid down by the high court. These included the execution of two bonds amounting to Rs 2 lakh each, a clear directive to avoid any form of witness tampering, and an order prohibiting his entry into Chitradurga district until the trial’s conclusion. These conditions reflect the court’s intention to ensure a fair trial while safeguarding the community and the witnesses involved in the case.
The ongoing legal battle against Shivamurthy Sharanaru has garnered widespread attention, highlighting issues of accountability and justice within religious institutions and society at large. The Karnataka High Court’s decision not to dismiss the charges but to order their reframing marks a critical juncture in this high-profile case, setting the stage for further legal scrutiny and proceedings.
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As the case continues to unfold, it remains a focal point of discussion and analysis, reflecting the broader challenges of addressing sexual abuse allegations, particularly when they involve minors and influential figures. The legal community and the public await further developments, as the court’s decisions will likely have significant implications for legal precedent and societal norms.
