It's an ideological fight against BSY, say advocates

Sirajin Basha and K N Balaraj have the distinction of being the first advocates in the State to obtain Governor’s sanction to prosecute the chief minister. The matter is now before the special court.

Both Basha and Balaraj have  over 25 years of experience in the legal profession. The socialist ideals of Ram Manohar Lohia and Shantaveri Gopala Gowda, one of the pioneers of socialist movement in Karnataka, have influenced the both. “The lives of  Kadidal Manjappa and Shantaveri Gopala Gowda have inspired us to wage a legal battle against the chief minister,” they said.

Sirajin Basha is a native of Tirthahalli. After completing his primary and secondary education in Tirthahalli he moved to Shimoga to pursue his graduation and law studies. He was residing very close to Shantaveri Gopala Gowda’s house in the town. He was an active participant in ‘Samudaya’ - a cultural movement.

Balaraj hails from N R Pura taluk in Chikmagalur district, and is now a resident of Shimoga. He studied law in Shimoga. Both the advocates refuted allegations that they were triggered by the Opposition parties to initiate legal battle against the chief minister.

“Ours is an ideological fight against corruption. We have not moved the court with the motive of gaining money,” they said.

Both admitted to receiving threat calls after they filed petition with the Governor seeking sanction to prosecute the chief minister. Also, they have submitted an application to the Governor seeking protection and have approached the Home Department as well.