Karnataka Govt. opposes plea for prosecution of Yeddyurappa

Bangalore, Jan 19 (ANI): The Karnataka Government has asked Governor H R Bhardwaj to reject a demand by a lawyers forum for prosecution of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Home Minister R Ashoka in connection with alleged land scams.

The developments came following an emergency cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa passed a strongly worded unanimous resolution to this effect.

"Your Excellency's action of consideration of the request for sanction will not inspire confidence that the decision would be judicious, fair and bonafide," the resolution stated.

Karnataka Law Minister Suresh Kumar after the cabinet meeting said the resolution noted that neither any investigating agency nor any Commission of Inquiry has indicted the Chief Minister or the Home Minister.

A forum of lawyers last month petitioned Governor Bhardwaj seeking permission to prosecute Yeddyurappa and Ashoka on the basis of allegations of nepotism and irregularities in denotification of lands by the government.

Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Bhardwaj said he was considering the petition, but had termed the issue as 'ticklish'.

The cabinet, in its resolution, pointed out to the Governor that the entire matter is 'subjudice', as the allegations were being probed by anti-corruption watchdog Lokayukta and also a Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge B Padmaraj.

"If the Governor grants sanction to prosecute the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, it would be the third agency to look into the same matter," Law Minister Kumar said. (ANI)