Bangalore, 29 May (H.S.) : The High Court has quashed the order issued by the Karnataka government to withdraw 43 criminal cases against various prominent figures, including the accused in the attack on Hubballi suburban police station and subsequent riots case. This court order has been construed as a setback for the state government.

Advocate Girish Bhardwaj had filed a public interest litigation in the High Court challenging the government's action. Hearing the petition, a division bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice K.V. Aravind, after examining the government's action in depth, ruled that the withdrawal of cases was illegal.

The government had withdrawn 43 cases involving some serious riot cases and suspected terrorist activities in 2020-21. The move was taken amid allegations that it was taken in favour of politically influential people, following a public interest litigation (PIL).

“It is imperative that actions that undermine the integrity of the legal process are subject to judicial review. Such withdrawal measures should be considered seriously as criminal cases concern the security of the general public,” the judges opined.

This ruling is a legal and political setback for the state government. It is yet another legal clarification to the criticism the government has faced in recent days regarding its lack of legal and administrative accountability.

Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa