Protest march case: SC stays proceedings against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, others

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed proceedings against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the 2022 protest march in the state. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and PK Mishra issued notices to the Karnataka government and the complainants in the case.

The Supreme Court also stayed the High Court order that imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on him, Congress general secretary, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, state ministers MB Patil and Ramalinga Reddy and directed him to appear before the court for questioning. The special court will convene on March 6.

The case was in response to a march staged by Congress leaders to lay siege to the residence of then chief minister Basavaraj Bommai in Bengaluru, demanding the resignation of KS Eshwarappa, who was then the southern state’s rural development and panchayat minister.

The riots unfolded after a contractor, Santosh Patil, committed suicide, accusing Eshwarappa of demanding 40% commission on a public project in his village. According to police, the case involves blocking roads and causing trouble to commuters.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)