SC dismisses Chiru's son-in-law's bail plea

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of G R Sirish Bharadwaj, estranged younger son-in-law of Praja Rajyam president and Telgu mega star Chiranjeevi, facing a dowry harrasment case.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of G R Sirish Bharadwaj, estranged younger son-in-law of Praja Rajyam president and Telgu mega star Chiranjeevi, facing a dowry harrasment case.

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A vacation bench of justices G S Singhvi and Chandramauli Prasad, rejecting the plea of Sirish's counsel that bail be granted as the two families were seeeking an amicable settlment, asked the accused to surrender before the court concerned in Hyderabad.

Srija, youngest daughter of Chirajneevi, married Shirish in 2007 amidst high drama against the wishes of her family, so much so that the couple rushed to the Delhi High Court and obtained police protection. The couple also held a press conference to denounce Chiranjeevi's alleged attempt to break the marriage.

However, four years down the line, the marriage turned out to be a disaster with Srija filing a complaint of dowry harassment against Shirish and her mother.

After the trial court and the AP High Court refused to grant bail, Shirish had approached the apex court.

It also declined Sirish Bharadwaj's request for extension of time to surrender before them.

"No... It would put unwarranted pressure on the system. For one individual, you will have to make special arrangements," the bench said and added if "you have money, then it does not mean that there would be special provisions."