Supreme Court rejects PIL on Karnataka honey-trap scandal, calls it ‘political nonsense’

Supreme Court dismisses PIL for CBI probe into Karnataka honey-trap scandal involving officials and judges, labeling it political nonsense.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting an independent investigation into an alleged honey-trap scandal involving legislators, public officials, and judges in Karnataka. The petition sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed of officers outside the influence of the state government.

Supreme Court (SC) of India, in New Delhi (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)(PTI)

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta refused to entertain the plea, terming it "political nonsense." Justice Nath questioned the petitioner's involvement, pointing out that he hails from Jharkhand. "Why are you concerned about issues in Karnataka? The state is competent enough to handle its affairs," he remarked while addressing advocate Barun Sinha, who represented the petitioner.

When the lawyer argued that the allegations in the honey-trap case were grave and warranted a judicial inquiry, the bench dismissed the concerns, stating, "One should not fall into a honey-trap in the first place. Those who do bring trouble upon themselves."

Responding to the assertion that even judges might be implicated in the scandal, Justice Nath said, "Judges can take care of themselves; there’s no need to worry about them."

The PIL was filed by Binay Kumar Singh, a resident of Jharkhand, who contended that the claims of honey-trapping had far-reaching consequences. The controversy erupted after Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna alleged that 48 individuals had been ensnared in honey traps and that explicit videos of those involved were circulating. He further claimed that the list included political figures from both state and national levels, cutting across party lines.

The petition highlighted statements made in the Karnataka state legislature, where it was alleged that an individual aspiring to become Chief Minister had orchestrated multiple honey-traps, some reportedly targeting judges. It noted that a sitting minister had publicly declared himself a victim, thereby lending credibility to the claims.

Adding to the controversy, another Karnataka minister supported the allegations, stating that the magnitude of the scandal was at least ten times larger than what had been revealed so far. The petition underscored that judicial independence was at risk if judges were compromised in such a manner, which could severely erode public trust in the judiciary.

(With ANI inputs)