Did the Supreme Court Deny Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni's Plea for More Time to Surrender?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has rejected Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni's plea for more time to surrender concerning the murder case of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda. This decision comes amidst serious allegations of witness tampering, raising questions about political influence and judicial integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court denies Kulkarni's plea for more time to surrender.
- Serious allegations of witness tampering emerged.
- The trial court is instructed to expedite proceedings.
- Political implications of the case are significant.
- Importance of judicial integrity highlighted.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has dismissed the request made by former Karnataka Minister and Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni for extra time to report to jail regarding the murder of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan rejected Kulkarni's plea for an additional seven days to comply with the order issued on June 6, which required him to surrender within one week.
Last Friday, the apex court had approved the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s request to revoke Kulkarni's bail due to allegations of witness tampering.
The court acknowledged the CBI's assertion that Kulkarni, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board, made attempts to contact witnesses through acquaintances to influence their testimonies against the prosecution.
Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra noted that there was substantial evidence suggesting that Kulkarni sought to either directly reach out to witnesses or manipulate them.
Considering the overall circumstances, the Justice Karol-led bench concluded that Kulkarni’s bail should be revoked, while intentionally avoiding detailed comments on the witness tampering allegations.
The Supreme Court instructed the trial court to expedite the proceedings, cautioning that its order should not sway the trial's outcome.
Previously, the trial court had asserted that it lacked the authority to address the CBI’s application for bail cancellation since the Supreme Court had granted Kulkarni bail.
The apex court remarked that this interpretation was inconsistent with its ruling in the Gurcharan Singh vs. State (Delhi Admn.) case, emphasizing that the trial court could have considered the bail cancellation request due to breaches of bail conditions, even if the Supreme Court had granted bail.
Kulkarni faces accusations of conspiring in the 2016 murder of BJP Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda. At the time, he was part of the Cabinet in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. Despite his name surfacing in the case, no measures were taken against him initially. The BJP capitalized on the issue, with former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa pledging at election rallies to imprison Kulkarni if the BJP gained power. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the CBI, leading to Kulkarni's arrest. He spent over nine months in jail before securing bail from the Supreme Court.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the Supreme Court's decision regarding Vinay Kulkarni's case. The allegations of witness tampering not only highlight a potential misuse of power but also raise concerns about the influence of politics on judicial processes. The nation must stay vigilant as this case unfolds, demanding transparency and accountability from our leaders.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's ruling on Kulkarni's plea?
The Supreme Court denied Vinay Kulkarni's request for additional time to surrender to jail authorities.
What are the allegations against Vinay Kulkarni?
Kulkarni faces allegations of conspiring in the murder of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda and witness tampering.
Who was Yogesh Gowda?
Yogesh Gowda was a BJP Zilla Panchayat member who was murdered in 2016.
What was the CBI's involvement in this case?
The CBI sought to cancel Kulkarni's bail due to alleged attempts to tamper with witnesses.
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's order?
The order emphasizes the importance of judicial integrity and the need to expedite the trial process.
