Supreme Court PIL Requests Investigation into Karnataka Honey Trap Allegations
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Synopsis
A public interest litigation has been filed with the Supreme Court concerning Karnataka Minister K.N. Rajanna's claims of a political honey trap. This allegation has prompted calls for an investigation, resulting in the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs and heated debates in the Legislative Assembly.
Key Takeaways
- A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court regarding honey trap allegations.
- Karnataka Minister K.N. Rajanna claims to have fallen victim to such tactics.
- Over 48 politicians are reportedly involved in similar incidents.
- The Karnataka BJP criticized the suspension of its MLAs during the controversy.
- A high-level probe has been announced by state Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Supreme Court following Karnataka's Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna alleging that his political adversaries attempted to honey trap him. During an address in the state Assembly, Minister Rajanna disclosed that he had become a victim of such a ploy, asserting that more than 48 politicians in Karnataka and beyond faced similar situations.
On Monday, the case was presented for immediate consideration before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who has promised to schedule the PIL for March 25.
Following Rajanna's statement and the BJP's call for an investigation, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced the initiation of a comprehensive inquiry.
“This is a matter of the dignity of every member in this House. We must resolve this,” emphasized Parameshwara.
“Minister Rajanna has indicated that he will submit a formal complaint. Based on this, I will initiate a high-level investigation. Let the truth emerge, and the facts should be revealed,” he elaborated.
The situation ignited a spirited discussion in the Legislative Assembly, leading to emotional exchanges among members during the discourse.
BJP MLA N. Munirathna accused Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar of being involved in the honey trap scheme in Karnataka.
MLA Munirathna stated, "I wish to advise Dy CM Shivakumar. I am aware of your honey trap operations. I know when your meetings occur at odd hours. You have a family and should refrain from such low tactics."
In the meantime, the Karnataka BJP criticized the Congress-led administration for suspending 18 of its MLAs, asserting that these members were penalized for seeking justice in the alleged honey trap incidents.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka claimed that when Minister Rajanna brought up the honey trap controversy in the Assembly, neither the Chief Minister nor other Congress ministers found it inappropriate or offensive.
“We have called for a judicial inquiry to maintain the dignity of the Assembly. Even when it was revealed that the honey trap scandal implicated members from their own party, the government stayed silent,” Ashoka stated.
BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra denounced the Speaker's decision to suspend 18 BJP MLAs as an anti-democratic action.
Vijayendra remarked, “The Speaker, intended to safeguard these 224 MLAs, has instead expelled us when we, as the opposition, advocated for justice. This is entirely intolerable.”
In a significant turn of events, 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly effective immediately, accused of showing disrespect to the Speaker’s Chair on Friday (March 21).
The suspensions followed a disruption of proceedings as the BJP staged a protest in the Well of the House, demanding a judicial or CBI investigation into the alleged honey trap attempt involving Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna.
