Cong. to move discussion in Legislature on ‘lenient stand’ of judiciary on BJP leaders

In a bid to step up pressure on the BJP, the Congress is expected to move a discussion in the Legislature on the alleged “lenient stand” taken by the judiciary in Karnataka with respect to BJP leaders and bring it to the notice of the Chief Justice of India.

The decision was taken by the State Cabinet, which met here on Friday. Sources said the proposal to have the discussion in the Winter Legislature Session was moved at the Cabinet meeting by Labour Minister Santhosh Lad.

Sources said the Congress government felt that the judiciary in Karnataka had taken a “lenient view” with respect to the quashing of FIRs filed in separate cases against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and Bengaluru South MP Tejaswi Surya, staying of FIR filed against former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and the “leniency” shown to former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Government sources said the discussion could be held either on Monday or Tuesday, and the decision to send the resolution or a report to the Chief Justice of India and other modalities will be taken after consultation with party leaders. “This is a decision to counter the BJP that has been trying to corner the government,” sources said.

While an FIR was filed against the Union Finance Minister for allegedly extorting money in the guise of electoral bonds, another FIR had been filed against Mr. Surya for spreading fake news regarding the suicide of a farmer in Haveri district. Both have been quashed. Mr. Yediyurappa, facing a POCSO case, has been granted bail, while the FIR filed against another former Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, for making communal remarks has been stayed, sources pointed out.

Published - December 13, 2024 10:41 pm IST