In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has taken a step forward in addressing an Election petition filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, questioning his election from the Varuna Assembly constituency during the 2023 assembly elections. The petitioner, K M Shankara, a voter from the constituency, has accused the Chief Minister of engaging in electoral malpractices.
The single judge bench of Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav issued a "Notice under Rule 10" to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with a returnable date of September 1 for the respondent to appear in court, as reported by Live Law.
The crux of the petition lies in the allegation that the Congress party, under Siddaramaiah's leadership, had made enticing promises to the electorate, which may be considered a corrupt practice. Among these promises are five guarantees: 'Gruha Jyothi,' providing 200 units of free electricity to all households, 'Gruha Lakshmi,' granting 22,000 rupees monthly to every woman head of a family, 'Anna Bhagya,' offering 10 kilograms of food grain per month to every member of below poverty line families, 'Yuva Nidhi,' providing financial assistance to unemployed graduates and diploma holders, and 'Uchita Prayana/Shakthi,' granting free travel to all women in regular KSRTC/BMTC Buses across the state.
The petitioner argues that these guarantees amount to bribery and undue influence under section 123(2) of the Representation of People Act. Moreover, they contend that these policies are contrary to the directive principles of the State policy.
In light of these allegations, the petitioner has sought to nullify Siddaramaiah's election and also disqualify him from contesting elections for six years, citing violations of the Act and the Constitution.
