In a notable verdict, the Karnataka High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on key Congress figures, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, for their involvement in a protest related to the tragic demise of contractor Santosh Patil. The protest, which took place in April 2022, called for the arrest of KS Eshwarappa in connection to the case.
The court’s decision mandates the physical appearance of the penalized individuals before the people’s representatives’ court on specified dates. CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled for March 6, followed by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on March 7, Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on March 11, and Heavy Industries Minister MB Patil on March 15.
The 2022 protest saw Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, detained as they marched towards the residence of then Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai, advocating for Eshwarappa’s resignation. The protest was rooted in allegations made by Santosh Patil, who, prior to his suicide in Udupi, accused Eshwarappa of demanding commissions for the release of funds for civil works in Belagavi.
This ruling comes after the Karnataka High Court previously issued an interim stay on proceedings against CM Siddaramaiah concerning the 2022 protest march.
