Shivarajkumar, wife acquitted in poll code case

The third JMFC court, on Saturday, acquitted actor Shivarajkumar, wife Geetha Shivarajkumar and JD(S) leader M Srikanth of the charges of violating the election model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha polls 2014.

Judge Shwetha issued an order in this regard. Geetha had unsuccessfully contested the elections from Shivamogga on a JD(S) ticket. The trio were accused of conducting a public campaign at Navule area in Shivamogga on April 16, 2014, just a day before voting and thus, violating the code.

As per the norms of the Election Commission, public campaigning, meetings and processions are prohibited 48 hours before the polls. So, the campaign was to end on April 15. The court acquitted them, citing lack of evidence.