The rape case against Judge Siraj Desai in Mumbai, India, could not go ahead on Monday as no judge was available, his lawyer said.
”There is no case today. There is no judge available,” said Desai’s lawyer RA Shaikh.
He said the case could resume on March 17.
The case was previously adjourned on February 6 as there was no full-fledged judge available.
SABC news reported on Monday that Desai was having difficulty getting a visa to attend the trial in India. If the judge did not appear, India might call for his extradition under an agreement President Thabo Mbeki signed with the Indian government last year.
Desai was arrested by Indian police on January 18 after Salome Isaacs (26) an Aids activist, told police the judge raped her in his hotel room. She had gone to his room at 3am to discuss events at the World Social Forum being held in Mumbai.
Isaacs later withdrew the allegation of rape.
Desai had denied any wrongdoing. He was released on bail on January 23 after a five-day incarceration. Indian police are still pursuing the criminal case as the matter is now between the state of Maharashtra and Desai, who has since returned to South Africa. – Sapa