The former Karnataka Chief Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa, suffered a setback on Monday with the Supreme Court refusing to quash the proceedings pending against him before the State Lokayukta court in connection with irregularities in mining.
A Bench of Justices T.S. Thakur and C. Nagappan, in a brief order on a special leave petition filed by Mr. Yeddyurappa, said: “Issue notice, returnable within six weeks. Interim stay is refused. We make it clear that the pendency of these special leave petitions shall not prevent the trial court from proceeding further in the matter. All such proceedings shall, however, remain subject to the outcome of these petitions.”
Mr. Yeddyurappa had challenged the summons issued by the Lokayukta and sought quashing of the proceedings. His appeal was dismissed by the Karnataka High Court and the present SLPs are directed against the order.
Senior counsel Uday Lalit, appearing for Mr. Yeddyurappa, submitted that sanction for prosecution was granted by the Governor for political reasons and the Lokayukta court had taken cognisance of the private complaint. He said the matter required consideration as there was overlapping between the Central law and the State law.
Justice Thakur said: “The Lokayukta court can’t be faulted for taking cognisance after sanction was given by the Governor. Why should high dignitaries have special law, why can’t he face trial? The moment there is interference from us, you will be preventing a competent court from exercising its functions.”
The Bench issued notice and posted the matter for hearing after six weeks.
