Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jan 15: Karnataka High Court (HC), on Friday January 14, stayed operation of Justice Padmaraj Judicial Commission, formed by the government to investigate land scam cases, till further hearing. This order was passed by the HC on a petition filed by JDS spokesperson, Y S V Datta.

The HC division bench comprising Chief Justice, J S Khehar, and Justice A S Bopanna, which took up the petition filed by Datta on Friday, gave three weeks’ time to the state government to file its statement. At the same time, advocates for the petitioner have decided to name Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, and the Lokayukta, as defendants in the case. On Thursday, the Chief Justice had suggested to name the Lokayukta as a defendant, as he is investigating certain land scam cases.

The HC, which said that the commission is barred from conducting hearings till February 11, also served notice on Justice Padmaraj, named as second defendant.

The government has clarified to the High Court that two separate complaints filed by Y S V Datta  on November 18 and 19 with the Lokayukta will come under the purview of Justice Padmaraj Commission, and that all land scam complaints including those against the Chief Minister, will be investigated by this commission. Five of the cases mentioned by Datta in his complaint pertain directly to the Chief Minister.

The division bench directed the commission not to hear, investigate, record evidence or publish interim reports, till next hearing. At the same time, the inquiry being held by the Lokayukta into the alleged KIADB scam will continue.

Relating to the development, Y S V Datta said that this is a temporary victory for him, and that the HC decision has infused strength into the fight the opposition parties have launched against the state government.