Suicide case: Arnab Goswami fails to show up in court; plea for exemption from physical appearance junked

An application filed by Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami seeking exemption from physical appearance in the abetment to suicide case of interior designer Anvay Naik has been rejected by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at Alibaug.

Goswami had been summoned to appear before the CJM on January 7 after the chargesheet filed by the Raigad Police was taken on record. However, he failed to show up.

When the case was taken up, advocate Gaurav Parkar, appearing for Goswami, requested the court to exempt his physical appearance considering the ongoing pandemic situation and the existing standard operating procedures, Bar & Bench reported.

He submitted that since Goswami was in Delhi and there were quarantine rules in place till January 31, 2021, it would be unsafe for him to travel.

Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat opposed the application and requested the court to issue non-bailable warrant against Goswami for failing to abide by the summons. An application to that effect was also filed.

The CJM kept the application for warrant pending till the next date. The application for exemption was rejected. However, Goswami was excused for not appearing on January 7.

After Parkar requested the court to fix a date after January 31 for appearance, CJM posted the case for hearing on February 6, 2021. Goswami was directed by the court to appear on that date.