Karnataka Court Takes Cognizance Of BJP's Criminal Defamation Complaint Against Congress Leaders Over 'Corruption Rate Card'

A Special Court in Bengaluru has taken cognizance of a private defamation complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Congress leadersRahul Gandhi under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.

The complaint is primarily against “Corruption Rate card” advertisement issued by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, which claims certain 'rates' and 'commissions' are charged by BJP for appointment and transfer to various positions in government departments. BJP claims it to be false and based on the "fanciful imagination" of the accused.

The complainant claimed that the use of the word “trouble engine Sarkar” by the accused in the place of the widely popular  usage“double engine Sarkar” showed an intention to malign the name and reputation of the BJP and to affect its chances in the elections.

Following which the court said “After having heard the arguments of the Lrd. Counsel for the complainant and also on perusal of the averments made in the complaint and the documents produced, I am satisfied that the complainant has made out a prima - facie case to take cognizance of the offences under section 499 and 500 of IPC and to proceed further.”

It added “Cognizance is taken of the offence under section 499 and 500 of I.P.C against accused No.1 to 4. The case is posted for the Sworn Statement of the complainant and witness if any, by 27-07-2023.”

Case Title: Bharatiya Janata Party And Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee & others

Case No: PCR 3878/2023

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