The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by a British tourist who was raped by a guest house owner in Udaipur, Rajasthan, seeking transfer of an appeal of the convict from Rajasthan High Court to Delhi High Court for security reasons.

Parbat Singh, alias Rana raped the Briton on December 23, 2007 at Pardesi guest house and was sentenced to life imprisonment by a fast track court.

Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court released him on bail while admitting his appeal against the conviction and sentence.

A bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and T S Thakur , however, directed the state police to provide security to her whenever she comes to India for pursuing the case against the accused.

The State police gave an undertaking to the court that she will be provided protection but she must inform the authorities in advance while coming to India.

The apex court also directed that the bench of the High Court which granted bail to the convict shall not hear the matter.

UNI