SC dismisses plea of CBI probe against Asaram Bapu

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a PIL seeking a court-monitored CBI probe into an alleged sexual assault case against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu.

A bench headed by Justice A K Panaik also turned down the plea for guidelines for fast track trial of offences against minors saying it is for the legislators to frame the law.

The PIL was filed by Chennai-based D I Nathan through advocate N Rajaraman.

The petitioner also sought a direction to the Home Ministry to ask "all district SP-level officers across the country for objective investigation by a police team of female investigators sensitized to deal with the offences involving sexual assault of child or juvenile."

"We are not legislators. You go to legislators with your grievances," the bench said.

The petitioner said the object of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 was "repeatedly violated and disregarded by the police, state authorities and the accused who are violating the privacy and the right to life of minor victims."

It said sensitivity of the police investigating crimes against the juvenile victims and the media, which is reporting such crimes against the victims, were violating the purpose of the Act.

72-year-old Asaram, who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, has already been arrested.

Asaram had earlier sought extension in the date of appearance before the investigation officer of the case at Jodhpur citing he had various pre-decided religious fixtures lined up till September 19.