Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Jan 22: In connection with the ‘Love–Sex–Betrayal’ case that has come to light in Puttur, a final deadline has been fixed for settlement, failing which the child’s naming ceremony will be held on February 7, after which there will be no scope for any compromise, warned Backward Classes Commission member Pratibha Kulai.
Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club on Thursday, Pratibha Kulai said that January 31 has been fixed as the final date for the marriage to take place. If the marriage does not happen by then, the child’s naming ceremony will be conducted in a grand manner on February 7, and the legal battle will continue.
She said that earlier, the naming ceremony of the child was scheduled to be held in Kalladka on January 24. However, Madhu Acharya, an office-bearer of the Udupi Federation of the Acharya community, had contacted the child’s grandmother Namita, stating that Krishna J Rao’s family had agreed to the marriage and sought some more time, while also requesting that the naming ceremony be postponed. Based on this assurance, the family agreed to change the date of the ceremony.
“Earlier too, we were misled for nearly six months. This time, we will not allow that to happen,” she said.
Pratibha alleged that conditions were being imposed that only Namita and her daughter should attend the compromise talks, which the family has rejected. “There is a fear that anything could happen if they go alone. Hence, we will not accept such conditions,” she stated.
She further said that she and Nanjundi would not attend any private compromise meetings and demanded that the settlement, if any, should take place either at the Puttur police station or before the Superintendent of Police, Mangaluru.
Pratibha also claimed that the Puttur MLA has stated that Krishna J Rao’s family is not willing to go ahead with the marriage. As the matter is already before the court, there is a strong suspicion that these developments are merely an attempt to escape from the legal case, she alleged.
She further accused the other side of earlier demanding that the child be sent to an ashram, the case be withdrawn, and that a divorce be obtained after the marriage.
“The marriage must be conducted legally — online or in any other lawful manner. The issue must reach a logical conclusion. If they marry and later cannot live together, they may seek divorce as per law. Both parties must face the consequences of their actions,” she said.
Pratibha added that Namita has not attended any meetings or gatherings as conditions were imposed barring her from participating in such forums.
Reiterating her stand, Pratibha warned that if the marriage does not take place by January 31, there will be no further compromise, and the child’s naming ceremony will be held on February 7, along with the continuation of the legal fight.