September 30th 2024.
In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court has put a halt to the ongoing investigation against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other individuals regarding the now-defunct electoral bond scheme. The court has granted an interim order in response to a petition filed by BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, who was named as an accused in the FIR.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on October 22. The case was registered on Saturday by a special court in Bengaluru, following a complaint related to the controversial scheme. The complaint alleged irregularities and violations under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Sitharaman, officials from the Enforcement Directorate, and BJP office-bearers at both state and national levels. Even the BJP Karnataka chief, B Y Vijayendra, was named in the FIR.
The complaint was lodged by Adarsh R Iyer, Co-President of ‘Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath’, who accused the accused of engaging in extortion under the guise of electoral bonds and profiting from it to the tune of over 8,000 crore rupees. He further claimed that Sitharaman, with the help of ED officials, facilitated the extortion of thousands of crores of rupees for the benefit of individuals at both state and national levels. He also alleged that this entire racket was carried out in collaboration with BJP officials.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court had previously struck down the electoral bond scheme in February, citing violations of the right to information and the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution. The court's decision to stay the investigation against Sitharaman and others has caused a stir, and the matter is expected to be closely monitored and debated in the coming days.
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