Karnataka: Hearing of ex-Ayukta case put off to September 23

BENGALURU: Former Lokayukta Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao, who was summoned by the Lokayukta Special Court to appear before it in connection with the extortion cases within the anti-corruption agency, sought time to appear before the court on health grounds.

The tainted former Lokayukta, against whom the Special Investigation Team has filed a chargesheet, was issued summons on Saturday. But Justice Rao’s counsel appeared on behalf of him and submitted that his client could not appear as he was summoned at a short notice.

“Earlier, he was considered a witness in the case, but later he was treated as an accused and a chargesheet was filed against him. Further, only two days were given after the summons was issued. As he is old and has age-related health problems, I request the court to exempt him from appearing personally and give him some time,” the advocate submitted.

Considering the request, the judge adjourned the hearing till September 23 and directed that the accused should appear in person as enough time has been given. The SIT, on August 3, had submitted the chargesheet in connection with FIR no. 56/2015 before the Special Lokayukta court, naming Justice Rao as accused number seven and charged him under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other sections of the IPC. The 11 other accused, including Justice Rao’s son Ashwin Yerabati, are still in judicial custody.

Umashree case
The High Court on Tuesday stayed proceedings against Minister for Women and Child Development Umashree, initiated by a lower court in Sorab.
The court proceedings had been started after a criminal case was filed by former Minister H. Halappa. Ms Umashsree, addressing a programme in Tumakuru in 2014, had allegedly referred to charges of sexual assault levelled against Mr. Halappa by a woman, and had reportedly called him a rapist. She had approached the high court seeking to quash the proceedings.