Bharadwaj’s runaway-marriage with Chiru’s younger daughter Srija had hit the headlines in 2007 after the couple appeared before the Delhi High Court and sought police protection for marrying against the wishes of the star’s family.
A vacation Bench of Justices refused to provide any relief to Bharadwaj, even as his counsel pleaded that the two families were trying to sort out the differences.
“Let the concerned court consider this in accordance with the law,” the Bench said and directed Bharadwaj to appear before the court concerned in Hyderabad.
The court also did not allow his plea seeking extension of time for surrender.
“It would put unwarranted pressure on the system. For one individual, you will have to make special arrangements. If you have money, then it does not mean that there would be special provisions,” the court said.
Counsel’s allegation that Bharadwaj was falsely implicated in the case in abuse of dowry laws, made no impression on the court.
“We are not inclined to debate the issue of alleged abuse of the Act as it was in the domain of Parliament. Whenever Parliament has the time, it would consider it. There are already so many matters pending before them,” the court said.
The Andhra Pradesh High court had on April 7 dismissed Bharadwaj’s bail plea in the case registered with the Hyderabad city police on March 14 alleging that he and his mother G R Suryamani were harassing Sirija demanding Rs 50 lakh as dowry.
