Kolkata, 2 July (H.S.) —

In a significant development related to the ongoing controversy surrounding Padma Shri awardee and Bharat Sevashram Sangha monk Kartik Maharaj, the West Bengal government has informed the Calcutta High Court that no legal action will be taken against him until Thursday.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the Advocate General of the state told the court that Kartik Maharaj, also known as Swami Pradiptananda, could not be present due to health issues. Justice Jay Sengupta acknowledged the government's assurance and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday.

The case relates to allegations made by a woman against the monk, originally registered at the Nowagram police station in Murshidabad district, where Kartik Maharaj is associated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha’s Beldanga unit.

During the proceedings, an advocate raised concerns before Justice Sengupta regarding the alleged harassment of a key eyewitness who is said to support the complainant woman. The lawyer sought the court's permission to file a separate petition on the matter. However, Justice Sengupta clarified that his bench does not have jurisdiction over that issue and advised the counsel to approach the bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh