/ 17 March 2004

Judge Desai case postponed again

The rape case against Judge Siraj Desai in Mumbai, India, was once again postponed on Wednesday as no judge was available, his lawyer said.

”The case cannot be heard. There is no judge,” said Desai’s lawyer RA Shaikh.

He said he did not know when the hearing would resume.

The case was previously adjourned on Monday as there was no full-fledged judge available.

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