Aarti Rawal Giri, the wife of marital-rape accused judge Bhuvan Giri, climbed the flagpole at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu today, once again drawing attention of the state to her quest for justice. Previously on 14th January, Aarti had attempted self-immolation within the Supreme Court premises.

Aarti has been embroiled in a legal battle against her husband since November 2079 B.S., alleging marital rape. Her accusations against Judge Giri include domestic violence, sexual abuse, and unnatural intercourse. The case saw a significant development on April 3rd when the Supreme Court bench, including Justices Phuyal and Shrestha, overturned previous orders by the Kathmandu District Court and the Patan High Court, which had granted Giri bail. The Supreme Court ordered his imprisonment, prompting his subsequent surrender at the Kathmandu District Court.

Despite these legal proceedings, Giri remained at large for a period, leading Aarti to resort to a hunger strike in protest. In the past, Aarti attempted suicide by consuming poison while her case was being heard by a joint bench of Justices Hariprasad Phuyal and Til Prasad Shrestha.

On Tuesday, security personnel managed to bring Aarti down. She was then taken to the hospital.