Explain Why Case Was Closed And Then On Same Day Extortion FIR Registered Against Ex-MLC H M Ramesh Gowda: Karnataka HC To Police

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday (October 23) asked Amruthahalli police station's SHO to explain why a complaint made against former member of legislative council (MLC) H M Ramesh Gowda was termed as "non cognizable offence" on October 1, and then on the same day an extortion FIR was registered. 

The high court was hearing a plea moved by Gowda seeking quashing of the FIR, registered on a complaint made by real estate dealer Vijay Tata. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy is also an accused in the case.

During the hearing a single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna said, "Complaint is registered that A2 has demanded Rs 50 crore. Police close case by registering NC. The very same police registers crime of extortion interalia. Therefore, SHO to explain as to why endorsement is issued terming it to NC report and immediately thereafter registering a crime. SHO appears to have blown hot and cold. Explanation to be submitted by next hearing". The matter is next listed on October 29. 

During the hearing the counsel appearing for Gowda said, "I hope they don't take any precipitative action till then". At this stage the high court recorded the State counsel's submission that till next date of hearing they will not take precipitative action.

Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi appearing for Gowda said, “Bare reading of the complaint does not disclose an offence of extortion, at best it is a demand made by the former chief minister is what he says. The question of giving money does not arise”. He further submitted that after the police were satisfied and had issued an endorsement that the issue is a non-cognizable offence, the FIR could not be registered.

Tata in his complaint alleged that, on August 24, Gowda visited his residence and demanded ₹50 crore on behalf of Kumaraswamy to fund election expenses for the upcoming Channapatna assembly by poll. 

Case Title: H M Ramesh Gowda And State of Karnataka & ANR

Case No: CRL.P 10706/2024