NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a bail application filed by Bharathi Urs, an accused in a case of murder of a woman-lawyer in January 2004. Ms. Bharathi Urs is the daughter of the former Karnataka Chief Minister, Late Devraj Urs.

A Bench, comprising Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta, however, permitted her to undergo treatment at Narayana Hrudayalaya, under police surveillance.

The Bench said she would remain an in-patient and not be kept in the hospital for a day more than required as per doctor's advice and that she would pay the medical expenses.

The Bench also made it clear that she would be liable to pay the expenses for deployment of police personnel during her stay at the hospital.

`Charge-sheet filed'

Ms. Bharathi, who was arrested for her alleged involvement in the murder of Chitra Lekha Urs, submitted that investigation in the case had been completed and charge-sheet filed.

She said the prosecution case was based on circumstantial evidence on the ground that the dead was last seen in the company of the petitioner. She sought bail on medical grounds.

Counsel for petitioner Harish Salve said he was not pressing for bail if she was allowed to shift to a private nursing home for treatment under police surveillance and that she would pay for the treatment.

`Influential person'

Complainant's counsel brought to the notice of the court that the petitioner had been in nursing homes and hospitals of her own choice since February 28, 2005.

Opposing grant of bail, counsel said that free and fair investigation and trial was not possible as she was a "powerful and influential political person" in Karnataka.

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