Godhra court rapped for illegible order

Justice Anant Dave of Gujarat high court has asked the additional district judge of Godhra court to submit a report in connection with an incident in which an illegible certified copy of the latter's order was sent to the high court.

The high court issued the directions while hearing an appeal filed by Mahesh Khant whose anticipatory bail plea in a rape case was denied by the Godhra court.

While granting bail to Khant, Justice Dave observed that a certified copy of order dated July 4 issued by the registrar, district court, Godhra was annexed.

He said the copy of the said order, particularly page no 4, is not even legible.

"This shows thorough negligence and carelessness on part of the registrar, district court, Godhra. In view of the above, the sessions judge, Panchmahal at Godhra is directed to submit a report as to why such a copy was handed to the applicant and the action taken in this regard against the employees responsible for issuance of such a certified copy,"  said Dave.

Khant had sought anticipatory bail on the grounds that he did not commit rape as the complainant had come to him voluntarily. Also, the woman had lodged a complaint seven months after the alleged incident.