Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court’s decision to quash the state government’s order withdrawing 43 criminal cases, including the Hubballi Riot case, marks a significant setback for the Siddaramaiah administration.
The ruling, delivered by a two-judge bench, follows a public interest litigation challenging the government’s action of October 10, 2024. This decision has elicited immediate reactions, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing a need for further information before commenting, while opposition leaders like CT Ravi have lauded the court’s intervention.
The court’s stance emphasizes that it will not condone actions deemed illegal, particularly the withdrawal of cases against influential individuals in violation of established legal procedures, such as Section 321 of the Criminal Code. This verdict underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the law and ensuring accountability, potentially reshaping the political landscape and prompting a reevaluation of the government’s approach to handling criminal cases involving political sensitivities.
Girish Bharadwaj had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s action. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind today quashed the government order.
