HC issues notices to former CM, Governor & Lokayukta offices

Bangalore, Nov 24: The Karnataka High Court on Nov 23 issued notices to former Chief Minister N Dharam Singh, offices of the Governor and Lokayukta on a PIL praying for action against Singh, who has been named in the illegal mining report.

A Division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice A S Bopanna also ordered issue of notices to the Mines and Geology Department.

The petitioner, an advocate, submitted that the interim report of the Lokayukta on illegal mining had named Singh for granting permission to some companies for mining and also for transporting iron ore when he was Chief Minister, resulting in a loss of Rs 23 crore to the state exchequer.

The Lokayukta report had recommended recovery of losses from Singh, he said.

However, when the state was under central rule in 2007 the then Governor had decided to drop any action against Singh, the petitioner contended. The bench adjourned further hearing on the matter to December 12.

PTI