Daijiworld Media Network – Belthangady (EP)

Belthangady, Aug 28: Additional court in Beltangady on Monday August 28, sentenced Guruvayanakere Nagarika Seva trust president, Somanath Nayak, to imprisonment for making false allegations against Dharmasthala in violation of restraint order of the court repeatedly during the last two years. 

The court in the past had ordered Somanath Nayak not to make any allegations against Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade or his organization and institutions. Somanath Nayak had published and distributed books on sensitive subjects containing propaganda against Heggade and his educational institutions in contravention of court orders.

Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade

Complaints about contempt of court were filed by Dharmasthala organizations in this regard. The court after hearing arguments and examining witnesses, concluded that Somanath Nayak was guilty and pronounced the judgement.

Additional court justice Anand sentenced Somanath Nayak for three months imprisonment each for two cases publishing books and allegations and ordered to pay a compensation of Rs 4.93 lac. If the compensation is not paid, the property of Somanath Nayak can be seized and sold by auction. The remainder auction money after paying the compensation will have to be deposited in the court. The court has asked to convey the orders to concerned tahsildar. Advocates N D Rathnavarma Bunnu and Badarinath Sampigethaya appeared in the court and argued on behalf of Dharmasthala.

High court advocate, P P Hegde, who represents Dharmasthala establishment in the high court, welcomed the verdict, observing that the concerned was guilty in showing disrespect to the orders of the court and spreading malaise through media and social websites. He said that this has come as a warning to people who think that violating court orders does not attract punishment. He said that now legal action will be pursued against those who provided support to the guilty.

Somanath Nayak said that the court judgment came against him as he did not get enough opportunity to justify his actions and to present documentary evidences. He said he will appeal against the judgment in the state high court.