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.
(Published 19 January 2011, 13:56 IST)
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