Defamation cases against Janardhan Reddy stayed for 3 months

Bangalore, Nov 10 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court today stayed further proceedings against suspended BJP MLC Janardana Reddy before the Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, Bangalore, in two defamation cases for three months or until disposal of the criminal petitions filed by him before the High Court, whichever was earlier.

Admitting two separate criminal petitions filed by Mr Reddy, challenging the order of the Sessions Judge, directing registration of two defamation cases and issuing summons against him, Justice Kabbin directed the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to take notice of the matter and file objections within three weeks.

The Sessions Judge had passed the orders on August 14 last on complaints filed by SPP C H Hanumantharaya and Deputy Director of Prosecutions K Janardan on behalf of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Forests Minister C Chennigappa and Home Minister M P Prakash, contending that the statements made by the petitioner in many leading newspapers had brought down their dignity and respect in the eyes of the public.

Mr Reddy had alleged that the Ministers had taken a bribe of Rs 150 crore from the mine owners in Bellary district for allowing illegal mining.

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