Kataka: The Orissa High Court has lifted its earlier stay on the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against singer Sourin Bhatt after he repeatedly failed to appear before the lower court despite being given time to do so.

The High Court expressed displeasure over Bhatt's failure to comply with its direction to appear before the lower court. It directed the lower court to take firm steps to ensure his appearance in the case.

The Cuttack SDJM Court had issued the NBW against Bhatt on November 23, 2023. Bhatt had subsequently approached the High Court challenging the warrant. The High Court had stayed the NBW and directed him to surrender before the lower court.

His lawyer had informed the High Court that Bhatt would surrender before the lower court before August 20. However, he failed to appear. Taking note of this, the High Court has now withdrawn the stay on the NBW.

Bhatt is accused of physically and mentally harassing a woman from Kataka on the promise of marriage and offering her an opportunity to pursue a singing career.

According to the FIR, Bhatt allegedly took Rs 10 lakh from the woman and did not return the money. She initially lodged the complaint at Jagatpur police station, after which the case was referred to the Mahila Police Station in the city.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 294, 323, 341, 376, 417, 493 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.