SC reprieve for cop,stay on jail order

Granting reprieve to a Rajasthan woman police officer,the apex court on Tuesday stayed an order by the state Assembly,sentencing her to a 30-day imprisonment for misconduct and breach of privilege.

A Bench led by Justice K S Radhakrishnan sought a response from the office of the Speaker of the Assembly,its Privilege Committee and the Chief Secretary on an appeal by the officer against the resolution passed in the House. The court posted the matter for hearing on September 9.

Ratna Gupta was sentenced to 30-day imprisonment on August 29 on charges of insulting the chairman and members of a House panel when they visited a Mahila Thana womens police station in July. Gupta was the SHO and she allegedly ignored repeated summons for furnishing certain information.

Gupta was served four notices and a warrant but she did not appear before the committee. She also did not respond to the Rajasthan HC direction to comply with the House Committees directives.