Yeddy case: HC raps court of lokayukta

The Karnataka HC on Monday observed the lokayukta court did not examine witnesses before taking cognisance of a private complaint against former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa relating to alleged land scams.

The Karnataka HC on Monday observed the lokayukta court did not examine witnesses before taking cognisance of a private complaint against former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa relating to alleged land scams.

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When a special procedure is prescribed (to be tried under the Prevention of Corruption Act), it "requires the magistrate not only examine the complainant but also all witnesses in the case. In this case, it was not done," the court noted during the hearing on a petition by Yeddyurappa seeking quashing of two cases against him.

"In a serious case like this when you are putting down the Head of the State, should not the court proceed with more caution?" Justice Anand Byrareddy asked.