Illegal Mines Trading: K’taka HC Halts Trial Against Minister B Nagendra Till It Decides On Limitation

The Karnataka High Court recently agreed to entertain a plea challenging the validity of a trial court’s order directing the filing of a criminal case against Karnataka minister B Nagendra regarding the illegal trading of mines.

A single bench of Justice stated that he will initially examine the matter of limitation and sought the State government to provide a response to the petition.

The bench then directed the Special MP/MLA Court to defer the hearing until the matter of limitation has been examined.

“List this matter on 14 July. Special Court to defer hearing till then. Issue notice,” the bench ordered.

Based on the petitioner’s argument, it was contended that the alleged offenses occurred in the years 2009 and 2010, whereas the complaint was lodged in 2023. Consequently, it was asserted that the case was time-barred, and the Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

In light of this, the minister has requested the quashing of sixteen criminal proceedings and chargesheets that are currently pending against him in the Bengaluru trial court.