New Delhi: A Gurgaon court has denied anticipatory bail to prominent TV news anchor Chitra Tripathi in connection with a 2013 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case. Tripathi had sought anticipatory bail after a non-bailable warrant was issued for her arrest on November 14 for failing to appear before the court.
The case revolves around allegations that Tripathi and seven other media professionals telecasted and uploaded a video of a 10-year-old girl in an “obscene and vulgar manner,” linking it to a sexual assault case against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. The case was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the POCSO Act.
Tripathi had requested exemption from personal appearance in court, citing her travel to Maharashtra to cover the Assembly elections and interview prominent politicians. However, the court deemed her reasons “unjustified” and denied her anticipatory bail application.
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The court emphasized the seriousness of the case and the need for expeditious proceedings, stating that Tripathi appeared to be taking the court process “quite lightly.” It also noted that the interview with politicians would have been scheduled in advance, and Tripathi could have sought exemption earlier.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of respecting legal proceedings and highlights the potential consequences of non-compliance with court orders. Tripathi’s case will now proceed, and she will be required to appear before the court to address the charges against her.
