Proceedings in defamation case against K'taka CM stayed

Bangalore, Sep 5: The Karnataka High Court today stayed all further proceedings in the JMFC court in Bellary in a defamation case, filed by suspended BJP MLC Janardhana Reddy against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Forests Minister C Chennigappa and Home Minister M P Prakash.

Granting the interim injunction on criminal revision petitions, filed by the Chief Minister and the Forests Minister challenging the summons issued by the JMFC, Mr Justice Huluwadi Ramesh also stayed the summons and called for records from the lower court.

The JMFC Bellary had issued summons to Mr Kumaraswamy, Mr Chennigappa and Mr Prakash, on a defamation suit filed by Mr Reddy in connection with the Rs 150 crore bribery issue.

Challenging the issuance of summons, Mr Kumaraswamy and Mr Chennigappa had filed the criminal revision petitions in the High Court, contending that the JMFC court had no territiorial jurisdiction to take cognisance of the matter and issue summons.

Besides, no sanction was obtained as required under law before filing the complaint against the Ministers and the ingredients of offence were lacking, they submitted.

It may be recalled here that Mr Prakash had already been exempted by the High Court from personally appearing before the JMFC court in a separate petition filed by him. The Court had also stayed his summons.

UNI