Team Herald
PORVORIM: The Additional District and Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol on Wednesday dismissed the anticipatory bail application of journalist Rupesh Samant filed in connection with the sexual harassment cases against him.
Judge Pol rejected the application on grounds that Samant has committed heinous crimes against women and that he is a ‘habitual offender’. She also observed that since this a sensitive issue, he cannot be granted anticipatory bail.
In her order, the judge observed that these cases would instill courage in women to file police complaints against sexual harassment.
The Panjim Women’s Police Station has registered an FIR against Samant and an offence under Section 354 of IPC has been registered against him on the basis of complaints lodged by women journalists.
Addressing the press, defence lawyer Raju Poulekar stated that he was dejected with the order and that his client would appeal against this order.
