"The behaviour of the petitioner (Nisha Priya Bhatia) in baring herself in the open court is highly deplorable and it gives an impression that she is not mentally sound. It is not a case of solitary instance but she, even in the post-lunch session, tried to indulge in the same act, which is not expected from a normal person," said Justice Ajit Bharihoke, while ordering that she be sent for a mental health check-up.
*New Delhi: A former Research and Analysis Wing official, claiming to be frustrated at the frequent adjournments in a human trafficking case against her in the Delhi High Court, tried to undress before a judge on Thursday but was stopped by police officials.* * * *Nisha Bhatia, in her late thirties, started to undress in a courtroom before Justice Ajit Bharihoke around 12 noon. She is facing prosecution in a case of illegal human trafficking.* * * *She told reporters later that she was exasperated by the number of adjournments in the case, sometimes even before the hearing began.* * * *The justice immediately ordered the police officials present in the courtroom to restrain her.* *Bhatia has claimed that false allegations and charges were levelled against her by her seniors as she had lodged a complaint against them for sexually harassing her in August 2008.* * * *One of the accused, Ashok Chaturvedi, was convicted by a lower court but was later allowed to walk free by the Delhi High Court, which compelled Bhatia to file a writ petition against him.* *Two other RAW officials, Pritam Singh and Ajay Pandey, have also been accused by Bhatia.* * * *Bhatia was posted at RAW's training institute in Gurgaon, where she had been working and residing for several years, But her services were terminated a day after she attempted suicide outside the Prime Minister's Office Aug 19, 2008, as her complaints of sexual harassment were allegedly ignored.* Whether Nisha Bhatia has a mental health problem or not isn't the issue. Assuming a person's mental health status on the basis of a highly subjective idea of what constitutes 'normal' behaviour is just plain wrong! Contempt of court would be understandable, however the mental health consult order is truly baffling. Has the Justice not heard of similar protests in India? Apr 13, 2009 - Tibetans stage naked protest outside Chinese embassy<http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Tibetans-stage-naked-protest-outside-Chinese-embassy/446455/> Oct 28, 2010 - Ex-BSF man strips to make a point<http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/oct/281010-News-Delhi-Ex-jawan-strips-naked-march-Rajpath-expelle-from-army-BSF.htm> Nov 30, 2010 - Protesting injustice, employee walks into bank half-naked<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Protesting-injustice-employee-walks-into-bank-half-naked/articleshow/7014596.cms> Jan 21, 2011 - Protesting slow pace of trial, woman strips in HC<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Protesting-slow-pace-of-trial-woman-strips-in-HC/articleshow/7330669.cms> Is it not possible that the mode<http://www.deccanchronicle.com/neutral/naked-protest-846>of protest chosen was one which guaranteed most attention<http://www.brandingirononline.info/component/content/article/34-archives/1970-naked-protests-force-media-attention> ? If a man strips (or a *group* of women) strip as a sign of protest, there is no mental health issue. If a woman strips solo it is. *Surely you're joking Justice Bharihoke!*
