DK Shivakumar Gets Big Relief, Karnataka HC Stays CBI Investigation

The Karnataka High Court on Friday ordered an interim stay on the CBI’s proceedings in a corruption case against Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D. K. Shivakumar.

A single bench of Justice K. Natarajan has stayed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s proceedings against the Congress leader till February 24.

The Court has also asked the investigation agency to submit a progress report on the action taken on or before the next hearing.

The bench passed the interim order after Shivakumar complained that the CBI intentionally summoned and served notice to him repeatedly.

His counsel contended that it was an attempt by the central agencies to impose mental pressure on the Congress leader ahead of the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections.

Earlier, CBI special public prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar clarified to the court that neither Shivakumar nor his family members were issued notice for questioning as the recent notice was issued only to the principal of the college, which is managed by members of Shivakumar’s family

On October 3, 2020, an FIR was filed against DK Shivakumar. According to the FIR, the Congress leader’s wealth and property expanded significantly between 2013 and 2018.

The FIR alleged that DK Shivakumar and his family were in possession of movable and immovable assets worth Rs 33.92 crore in April 2013.

“From April 2013 to April 2018, DK Shivakumar and his family members purchased assets worth a total of Rs 128.6 crore, and as of April 30, 2018, they owned a total of Rs 162.53 crore in assets. The FIR stated that they were discovered to be in possession of assets that were disproportionally large by the amount of Rs 74.93 crore given that their total income and receipts during the check period were to the tune of Rs 166.79 crore and their total expenditures were to the tune of Rs 113.12 crore.