Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jun 17: Relating to the allegation of violating the injunction issued against indulging in malicious propaganda about Dharmasthala establishment, the Beltangady court has ordered Nagarika Seva Trust president, K Somanath Nayak, to undergo three months imprisonment. His fixed assets have been ordered to be forfeited and he has been ordered to pay an amount of Rs 4,50,000 to Dharmasthala temple by way of compensation.

In a case filed in 2013, the additional civil court here had restrained Somanath Nayak and others. In this case registered by Dharmasthala group, Nayak was ordered not to indulge in making allegations or issue statements against Dharmasthala temple, Dr Heggade family, and institutions connected with Dharmasthala temple.

On behalf of Dharmasthala temple, B Vardhaman had filed a petition in the court seeking action against Somanath Nayak for violating the court order and repeatedly making false allegations against Dharmasthala temple and other institutions by overlooking restraint order. The court, which conducted prolonged hearing in the case and listened to arguments, noted that Somanath Nayak had been sentenced twice in the past for similar offences but after Nayak filed appeal, the case had been reverted back to the base court for additional inquiry. Additional civil judge, Sathish K G, in his final order, reiterated and upheld his earlier judgement in the case. The court also ordered Nayak to pay additional amount of Rs 2,000 for wasting the court's time even after being aware that he did not possess any evidence for proving the allegations.

Advocates Ratnavarma Bunnu and M Badrinath Sampigethaya had argued the case on behalf of the temple.