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HC turns down Bharti Yadav's petition
The petition sought quashing of a trial court order on the presence of the deceased's mother during her deposition scheduled on Nov 29.
Delhi High Court on Friday disallowed a petition by Bharti Yadav, a key witness in the Nitish Katara murder, seeking quashing of a trial court order on the presence of the deceased's mother during her deposition scheduled on Nov 29.
"I do not understand how the mere presence of Neelam Katara could influence the petitioner who is a mature and educated girl," judge AK Sikri said in his order.
However, the court struck down another direction by the trial court directing the senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Ghaziabad and the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) of New Delhi district to provide security to Bharti during her journey to and from the court.
Sikri directed the DCP to take care of the security in the Patiala House courts premises only on days when Bharti went there to record her evidence.
The Ghaziabad SSP was not required to act, Sikri said.
A trial court in New Delhi on Thursday dismissed an application by Bharti seeking the absence of Neelam Katara.
In her application, Bharti said the presence of Neelam Katara in the court during the recording of her evidence would cause prejudice to her and she would feel uncomfortable.
Vikas Yadav and Vishal Yadav, brother and cousin of Bharti respectively, are facing trial in the case for allegedly kidnapping Nitish Katara, son of a former IAS officer, and later killing him because they were allegedly against their sister having an affair with him.
