Ex-RAW official who disrobed in court to undergo check-up

NEW DELHI - A former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) woman official who tried to disrobe before a Delhi High Court bench Jan 20 is to be examined by the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

The court Thursday agreed to the institute’s plea that the woman official, Nisha Bhatia, needed to remain with the IHBAS for 10 days for a thorough check-up, as advised by the court.

Bhatia, 48, Jan 20 removed her upper garment in the court of Justice Ajit Bharihoke. She was restrained by women constables but she tried to repeat the act in the post-lunch session as well that day.

Justice Bharihoke then ordered that she be sent for a mental check-up. He said his orders were passed in “goodwill” for Bhatia.

She had two years backat tempted suicide in front of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Earlier this week, the elderly parents of Bhatia pleaded before the court to grant her freedom and apologised for her attempt to disrobe in the courtroom. The parents also gave a written appeal to Justice Bharihoke to allow her to walk free out of the hospital as she is absolutely fine.

Bhatia’s parents pointed out that she has two daughters to take care of - one 20-year-old and another 17-year-old.

The court rejected the plea, saying, “She shall be free to go back if she is not suffering from a mental disorder, which necessitates her detention in a hospital for psychiatric treatment with a view to ensure her safety and for the protection of others.”

The court Jan 20 directed that she be taken into custody for mental check-up at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IBHAS).

Bhatia, who worked in the training cell of the RAW had filed a complaint against her bosses, alleging sexual harassment. She also moved the high court against lower court judges, alleging that she was harassed and humiliated outside their courts.