The Karnataka High Court had issued an interim order halting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the corruption case involving Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The Supreme Court, led by Justice BR Gavai, declined to intervene in this matter and instead urged the High Court to expedite the resolution of the appeal and related issues.
In June, the Karnataka High Court had stayed the CBI’s investigation into Shivakumar’s alleged involvement in a corruption case related to mining and real estate. Justice R Natarajan of the High Court denied Shivakumar’s petition to lift the order of the State Department of Homeland Security on April 20, 2023. Subsequently, Shivakumar appealed to a division of the High Court, which provided him interim relief by suspending the CBI investigation until the final outcome of his challenge.
During a search conducted by the Income Tax Department at various locations, including Delhi, on August 2, 2017, a significant sum of money amounting to 8.59 billion rupees was found, with 41 lakh rupees discovered at one of Shivakumar’s locations. Consequently, the Income Tax Department initiated an investigation. Later, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case against Shivakumar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on the inquiry’s findings. On September 3, 2019, Shivakumar was arrested, and on September 9, 2019, the State government authorized the CBI to conduct an investigation based on the ED’s letter.
In the meantime, the Congress party formed a new state administration and emerged victorious in the May 2023 State Assembly elections, appointing Shivakumar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The Supreme Court has now been approached by the CBI, disputing the High Court’s order from June 2023, which temporarily halted their investigation into Shivakumar’s corruption case. The apex court, however, has chosen not to intervene but has urged the High Court to promptly resolve the appeal and associated matters.
