What Actions Did the Karnataka HC Take in the Dharmasthala Case?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court has taken a pivotal step by issuing a notice to the SIT regarding the investigation of a mass grave in Dharmasthala. This case raises significant questions about the speed of justice and the importance of thorough investigations. What will be the impact on the ongoing inquiry?
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court issues notice to SIT regarding mass grave investigation.
- Petitioners demand timely action on site inspections.
- Concerns about remains being exposed to wildlife and humans.
- Home Minister states no fixed timeline for SIT's report.
- Calls for transparency in the ongoing investigation.
Bengaluru, Sep 15 (NationPress) In response to a petition from two locals of Dharmasthala, the Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the high-profile mass grave case concerning the examination and excavation of remains at the sites they identified.
The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, directed the SIT regarding the petitions submitted by Purandara Gowda and another individual, which requested the court's intervention to ensure timely action for the site inspection and excavation.
The bench noted that the petitioners turned to the court after feeling their requests were overlooked by the SIT involved in the Dharmasthala case. The court also instructed Special Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadeesha to acknowledge the notice for the SIT and present a response to the court, after consulting with the SIT, by Thursday (Sept 18).
Senior advocate Deepak Khosla, representing the petitioners, emphasized the potential legal repercussions if the allegations made in the plea are proven false.
Khosla further informed the court that the petitions were filed on August 6 and August 29, urging the SIT to recover remains from various sites in Dharmasthala, highlighting that many bodies are partially exposed to wildlife and humans.
He insisted that immediate and time-sensitive action be initiated for site inspections and the excavation of remains, conducted in the presence of the petitioners at the identified locations.
The petition also requested the appointment of a court commissioner, either a Judicial Registrar or a retired judge, to provide a factual report and accompany the petitioners to the burial sites. Additionally, the plea sought directions for the SIT to update the court on the status and progress of the Dharmasthala case investigation.
Previously, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked that it is impractical to demand a swift report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the alleged Dharmasthala murder case.
"We have only urged the SIT to speed up the investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murder case. It is not feasible to enforce a deadline for their report," he stated.
He also noted that the current trajectory of the investigation remains uncertain. "If the investigation is concluded promptly, the report will be submitted accordingly. Otherwise, the SIT will continue its inquiries until they reach a resolution," he explained.
“These are not situations where we can insist on a specific manner or timeline for the investigation. A fixed deadline cannot be established in this case,” Parameshwara emphasized.
Point of View
The actions of the Karnataka High Court in the Dharmasthala case reflect a commitment to ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. The engagement of the court indicates a proactive stance in addressing the concerns of local residents, reinforcing the principle that every voice matters in the pursuit of truth. As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Karnataka High Court to issue a notice to the SIT?
The Karnataka High Court issued a notice to the SIT in response to petitions from two Dharmasthala residents, urging timely action on the inspection and excavation of identified grave sites.
Who are the petitioners in this case?
The petitioners are Purandara Gowda and another individual from Dharmasthala who approached the court seeking action regarding the investigation.
What are the concerns raised by the petitioners?
The petitioners expressed concerns about the remains being exposed to animals and humans, and they requested expedited action for site inspection and excavation.
What did the Karnataka Home Minister say about the SIT's timeline?
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that it is impractical to impose a deadline on the SIT for submitting its report on the investigation.
What further actions are being requested of the SIT?
The petitioners are requesting the appointment of a court commissioner to report on the excavation activities and for the SIT to provide updates on the progress of the investigation.
