HC stays charge sheet proceedings against police officer

Bangalore, Feb 21 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court today stayed for eight weeks all further proceedings in pursuance of a charge sheet filed by the Government against Inspector General of Police (Public Grievances and Human Rights) R Kempaiah under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Mr Justice Abdul Nazeer granted the interim injunction and directed the Counsels of the Union and State Governments to take notice of the writ petition, filed by Mr Kempaiah challenging the validity of the charge sheet.

However, the court reserved the liberty of the respondent authorities to seek modification of the order, if so advised.

The impugned charge sheet was filed under Section 13 of the PCA on the ground that between 1981 and 1993, the petitioner had allegedly amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 15,22,000 over and above his known sources of income by corrupt means.

The petitioner submitted that he had been serving with a blemishless record and had bagged several awards for his efficient and sincere service. He had headed the Special Task Force to nab notorious forest brigand Veerappan and was granted an award of Rs 1.5 crore, of which he had donated Rs 77.50 lakh to the Karnataka State Police Welfare and Education Trust set up to cater to the educational needs of children of police personnel.

He contended that the impugned action was without jurisdiction and void as no prior sanction was obtained as required under the provisions of the PCA. The action was violative of the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and hence the charge sheet should be quashed.

UNI