HC stays spl court summons to DyCM

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed the summons issued to Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara by the Special Court for People’R representatives.

Justice Alok Aradhe was hearing a petition filed by G Parameshwara seeking directions to quash the FIR registered against him by Savalagi Police, Bagalkot.

The court also issued notices to Srinivas Chikkur, the complainant and the Savalagi police.

The petitioner (Parameshwara) had contended that it was alleged that on October 23, 2018, the Congress had organised a campaign on behalf of Ananda Siddu Nyamagouda where the petitioner made a statement that Jambagi- Savali road would be asphalted within three months and as such the voters have to cast their vote in favour of the Congress candidate.

Thereafter a complaint was lodged against Parameshwara by Srinivas Chikkur , a horticulture officer and part of the flying squad for Jamkhandi byelections, stating that the statement made by the petitioner was in breach of the code of conduct and an offence under Section 171(F) of IPC.

Following the complaint, the police registered an FIR against the petitioner for offences under section 123 of the Representatives of People Act and under Section 171 (F) of IPC. The police filed a charge sheet. The special judge took cognisance of the offence and issued summons to Parameshwara.

The petitioner had contended that that the respondent police did not have the jurisdiction to register the FIR for the said offence under Section 123 of the Representatives of Peoples Act. He claimed that the special judge without application of mind has arbitrarily taken cognisance of the said offence and has issued summons to the petitioner. The court adjourned the hearing of the case to 4 July.