Rape case: Notice to filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar

The Bombay high court on Thursday issued notice to filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar on a petition filed by the Maharashtra government challenging the anticipatory bail granted to him by a lower court in a case of rape of an upcoming actress.

Preeti Jain had alleged in a police complaint that Bhandarkar sexually exploited for three years by promising her a role in his film and also to marry her. She alleged he did not keep his promises.

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Denying the charges of rape and criminal intimidation, Bhandarkar told a Mumbai court that the victim was trying to use arm-twisting tactics to get a role in his film. He said the victim had sent a legal notice to him asking him to give her role in his film or else face a complaint of cheating.

The director secured anticipatory bail from the court in July 2004.

The state then filed a revision petition in the high court.

Bhandarkar has been charged under Section 376 IPC (rape), Section 493 IPC (cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage), Section 506 (2) IPC (criminal intimidation) and 509 IPC (act intended to outrage the modesty of woman).