Injunction lifted in Nejaru Case; High Court orders continuation of trial

Udupi:  In a significant development regarding the Nejaru mother and children murder case, the Karnataka High Court has lifted the injunction (stay order) previously imposed on the trial. Justice Muhammad Nawaz issued the order on August 30, directing the Second Additional District and Sessions Court in Udupi to proceed with the trial.

The accused, Praveen Chougule, had filed a petition in the High Court requesting the transfer of the trial from the Udupi District Court to the Bengaluru Sessions Court, citing threats to his life. Consequently, the High Court had imposed an injunction on the ongoing trial in Udupi.

The complainant in the case had filed an appeal in the High Court seeking the removal of the injunction. After hearing the appeal, Justice Muhammad Nawaz ordered the removal of the stay, allowing the Udupi District Court to continue with the trial.

The accused has already been transferred from Hiriyadka Jail in Udupi to Bengaluru Central Jail due to the threats. Despite this, the perception of a potential threat during his appearance in the Udupi court was deemed incorrect. The High Court noted that the trial proceedings could not be halted on these grounds and suggested that the accused could be produced before the district court via video conference if necessary.

The High Court order also mentioned that all trial-related activities in the district court had been on hold due to the injunction.