Did the Supreme Court Provide Additional Time for Kulkarni's Case?

Synopsis
The Supreme Court has allowed Karnataka's Congress MLA, Vinay Kulkarni, a day to submit more documents regarding the state's request to revoke his bail in the murder case of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda, amid serious witness-tampering allegations. This case continues to unfold amid political tensions.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has allowed a brief extension for Kulkarni to submit documents.
- Kulkarni is facing serious allegations including witness-tampering.
- The case has significant political implications in Karnataka.
- Kulkarni spent over nine months in jail prior to being granted bail.
- The CBI is actively investigating the case.
New Delhi, Jun 5 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has granted a brief extension for Congress' Karnataka MLA and former Minister Vinay Kulkarni to submit additional documents pertaining to the state government's request for the cancellation of his bail connected to the murder of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda, amid accusations of witness-tampering.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma denied Kulkarni’s counsel's plea to postpone the hearing until next week, insisting on the immediate presentation of the necessary documents that were previously submitted to the trial court.
After considerable negotiation, the bench led by Justice Karol agreed to reconvene on Friday, directing Kulkarni’s attorney to produce the additional records promptly.
"It is permissible for the respondent (Vinay Kulkarni) to submit any document during today or present it during tomorrow's hearing," the apex court stipulated.
Earlier, Justice Karol's bench ordered the trial court to refrain from examining witnesses until further notice, scheduling a hearing for June 5.
Kulkarni, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board, faced allegations of conspiring in the murder of BJP Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda in 2016, during his tenure as a cabinet minister in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. Despite the accusations, no action was initially taken against him. The BJP highlighted the issue, with former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa pledging at election rallies to imprison Kulkarni if the BJP regained power.
Subsequently, the case was transferred to the CBI, resulting in Kulkarni's arrest, during which he spent over nine months in custody before securing bail from the Supreme Court.
Last year, the Karnataka High Court mandated the CBI to expedite the investigation and witness questioning in this case. Kulkarni, who is considered an ally of Siddaramaiah, won the Dharwad Assembly seat in the 2023 state elections, despite a court-imposed ban on his entry into the constituency, with his wife and daughter campaigning on his behalf.