When the petition came up before single judge H Billappa, B Shivappa was summoned and cross-examined as a witness as per the request by petitioner M Chandregowda, who is also a Congress functionary. The petitioner alleged that BJP MLA M P J Shantha, who belonged to the Boya community had got elected from Bellary, a constituency reserved for ST candidates, by producing false caste certificates.

Though the Boya community is classified as a backward community in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Shantha should be disqualified as Bellary is reserved for candidates belonging to ST, Chandregowda contended. The petition has been adjourned till tomorrow.