The Supreme Court has granted time to the Orissa government to file a counter-affidavit to the petition seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged rape of a nun in Kandhamal. The Orissa Government submitted before the Supreme Court that the petitioner, who is seeking a CBI investigation in the Kandhamal nun rape case, should be directed to place on record some reliable and concrete evidence to substantiate his allegations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam passed on the order. Next hearing of the case will be held on 22nd of October. Earlier, senior counsel K K Venugopal, appearing for Orissa, pleaded that the State Government should be permitted to file the counter affidavit.
The alleged rape of a nun in Kandhamal district which was rocked by violence following the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others on 23 August has shaked the nation.

Archbishop of Cuttack Raphael Cheenath, who earlier filed a petition seeking directions to the authorities to provide adequate security to tribal Christians, in Kandhamal district of the state, has alleged the involvement of the Bajrang Dal in the rape of the nun.