AIDWO to file appeal in SC in 20 yrs old 'Sati' case

Jaipur, Feb 3 (UNI) The All India Democratic Women's Organisation (AIDWO) will explore the possibility of filing appeal before the Supreme Court against recent dismissal of a PIL in the Rajasthan High Court against the acquittal of accused in the 20-year old infamous Deorala 'Sati' case.

Talking to newspersons here today AIDWO, a CPI(M) frontal organisation, president and former MP Subhashini Ali said the High Court had rejected a PIL filed by women's organisations against acquittal of the accused by a special court in the Prevention of Glorification of Sati Act.

Ms Ali said "the court's ruling in this matter has left us worried and we will try to seek relief in this matter from the apex court".

The Rajasthan High Court's Division Bench comprising Justices Gyansudha Misra and PS Aasopa has rejected the PIL two days ago holding that the acquittal of accused in a case under CrPC could not be challenged through a PIL but it could only be done through an appeal by the state government.

The court's order had came as a relief to accused who included Rajasthan PWD Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore, Congress leader Pratap Singh, Khachariyawas Dharma Rakshya Samiti leaders Ram Singh Manohar, Narendra Singh Rajwat and Omkar Singh who were acquitted in 2004 in the charges of glorification of 'Sati' in infamous Deorala 'Sati' case.

As per the prosecution, Ms Roop Kanwar was allegedly burnt alive on the funeral pyre of her husband in Deorala village of Sikar district in 1987.

UNI SS KK MSJ HT1512