Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Mar 7: The appeal filed by former Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Y Bhaskar Rao,  seeking to dismiss the case filed against him relating to alleged corrupt practices in Lokayukta institution during the period he headed it, was quashed by Supreme Court on Monday, March 6.

The Supreme Court bench, which heard the appeal moved by Justice Rao on Monday, said that it is not inclined to quash the investigation of the case at this stage. On the question of exempting his personal appearance during the hearings, the SC said it is a matter left to the discretion of the lower court.

The special investigating team (SIT) which investigated the corruption cases allegedly involving the then Lokayukta, had named the then Lokayukta, Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, as ninth accused in the charge sheet filed in the special Lokayukta court during November 2016. Justice Rao had approached the state high court seeking to drop his name from the charge sheet, but the high court had quashed his petition and asked him to personally appear for hearings. Thereafter, Justice Rao, who was compelled to appear for hearings, had sought relief from the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Naveen Sinha also refused to uphold the argument put forth by Justice Rao that he has immunity from being prosecuted.