Poll code violation: JD(S) MLC urges HC to quash charge sheet

JD(S) MLC Maritibbegowda has moved the High Court seeking to quash the charge sheet filed against him by the Halagur police in Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, in April 2013, following the complaints of malpractice during Assembly polls in 2013.

Following media reports, the sector officer of the Election Commission had asked the Halagur police to register a complaint against him (Maritibbegowda) for giving money to a person to lure the voters, which is in violation of the election code of conduct.

Complaint registered

Maritibbegowda is learnt to have given money to a person during a party workers meeting held at a village in Malavalli taluk on Apr 20, 2013. A section of media reported the same. Based on these reports, a complaint was registered against Gowda.  

Gowda, in his petition, has refuted the allegations against him stating that he had given money to a party worker whose house was damaged due to rain and there is no violation, and sought to set aside the charge sheet against him.

 The petitioner said that Rs 5,000 was given to a party worker and the model code of conduct does not prohibit payment of compensation to the sufferers and there is no violation of code on his part. Justice L Naraynaswamy, who heard the matter, has adjourned the hearing.