Delhi High Court Grants Interim Protection From Arrest To Journalist Varun Hiremath Accused Of Rape

A single judge bench of Justice Mukta Gupta today granted interim protection from arrest to Mumbai TV journalist Varun Hiremath who has been accused in a rape case, on the condition that he shall join the investigation whenever required.

A Delhi Court earlier issued non-bailable warrant against Hiremath, with the police moving a file before the Delhi Police Headquarters for a proposed reward announcement on his arrest.

In March, a Delhi Court had rejected his anticipatory bail application in the rape case of a 22-year old, observing, "So far as the question about consent or no consent, if the woman states in her evidence before court that she did not consent, the court shall presume that she did not consent."

Hiremath was accused of raping a 22 year old woman in the national capital in an FIR lodged in the Chanakyapuri Police Station. The order rejecting his bail application was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Sanjay Khanagwal.

Hiremath was anticipating arrest under the FIR lodged by a Pune-based for allegations under S. 376 (punishment for rape), S. 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) and S. 509 (insulting modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Delhi Police had also issued a lookout circular against him, barring him from leaving the country.

The two allegedly came to know each other through the online dating app, "Tinder", and allegedly developed a sexual relationship thereafter. The two then met in Khan Market in Delhi in February, after which they went to the ITC Maurya hotel, where the alleged incident took place.

Varun Hiremath was represented by Mr . Kapil Sibal Sr Adv, Mr Vijay Aggarwal, briefed by team of Karanjawala & Co. comprising of Mr. Sandeep Kapur, Mr. Rajat Soni, Ms. Niharika Karanjawala, Ms. Apoorva Pandey , Mr. G G Kashyap and Mr. K Sharat.