SC Adjourns Hearing on CBI Plea Against Shivakumar in Disproportionate Assets Case To July 14

The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned to July 14 the hearing of a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Karnataka High Court order staying the probe against KPCC Chief D K Shivakumar in a disproportionate assets case.

After Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Shivakumar, informed that the matter is coming up before the Karnataka High Court on May 23, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol deferred the matter, according to a report in PTI.

On February 10, the Karnataka HC stayed the CBI's proceedings in the disproportionate assets case and the stay was later further extended on different dates.

In 2017, the Income Tax Department had conducted a raid against the KPCC Chief, on the basis of which the Enforcement Directorate started its probe against him.

After the ED investigation, the CBI subsequently requested permission from the state government to lodge an FIR against him. The sanction was granted on September 25, 2019. Subsequently, on October 3, 2020, the CBI officially charged Shivakumar under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

In response, he appealed to the Karnataka High Court, challenging the sanction and the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

D K Shivakumar is a top contender for the post of Chief Minister in Karnataka after Congress registered a thumping victory in the recently-concluded Karnataka polls. He is currently in Delhi to meet the central leadership to discuss the modalities of government formation.

Reports claim that the high command has chosen Siddaramaiah as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka and D K Shivakumar as his deputy. Also, Shivakumar will be given six other portfolios.

Nonetheless, a formal announcement is awaited. However, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala has claimed that a decision on the next Karnataka Chief Minister will be announced today or tomorrow. However, a new cabinet will be in place within 72 hours, he added.

He also denied rumours which claimed that Siddaramaiah was likely to be named the Chief Minister once again.

"Delibrations are currently underway by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka," he added.