Panaji, Aug 8 (TOI): A local court on Friday pulled up investigation officer in the Tarun Tejpal case after he sought hearing on arguments before charge in the alleged rape case against the former Tehelka editor without complying with Supreme Court order to provide relevant documents to the accused.
The additional sessions court noted that the prayer asked in the application is clearly contrary to the order passed by the Supreme Court.
"Instead of complying the aforesaid orders, the IO without asking from this court any further time to comply with the order of the SC prayed to proceed with the case on hearing arguments before charge in clear violation of the order of the SC," judge Vijaya D Pol remarked.
The additional sessions court has also ordered that a letter be issued to the apex court giving detailed information about the matter and asking for extension of time for compliance of the SC order by the prosecution.
While dismissing the application of the crime branch to proceed with the case, Pol directed the prosecution to forthwith comply with the order passed by SC on January 16, 2015.
On July 13, the IO moved an application before the court and stated that hard and soft copies of the subject matter of petition before the SC and high court have already been furnished to the accused. On the same day, Tejpal also filed an application stating that the police had not complied with the SC order.
In January, the SC had directed the trial court to direct the prosecution to provide all relevant documents including unedited CCTV footage, etc. (As contained in the order dated May 3, 2014 passed by the trial court) within three weeks to the accused. "Till such time, we request the learned trial judge to adjourn the proceedings and immediately thereafter start the hearing on framing of the charges" the SC said. The SC also permitted the trial court to seek extensions of time from it in case of difficulty.
Subsequently, on June 5, the additional sessions court gave the last and final opportunity to the prosecution to comply with its order and the SC order to give the relevant documents to the accused.
Tejpal's counsel Rajiv Gomes said that they have not been furnished copy of survivor's cell phone and laptop clone copy. Prosecution has so far furnished CCTV footage to Tejpal.