The Karnataka High Court has been approached by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the state government's move to withdraw the disproportionate assets case against Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar from the agency's jurisdiction.

Today, the High Court is scheduled to shortly address this matter.

In response to the CBI's court action, Mr. Shivakumar expressed his view, stating, "Their intention is to deliberately harass me. Despite the government's decision to refer the issue to the Lokayukta and withdraw the case, notices have been issued to individuals linked to me... This clearly indicates a political agenda behind these actions. There's a noticeable lack of action against BJP leaders."

"There is a limit to the harassment. I know who is behind this. But the clock will turn. I don't know what they want to do. I am ready. I have been put behind bars. You saw how people supported me. I will fight for justice," he further said, adding that the party will give a befitting response in court. 

In the previous year, the Karnataka cabinet made a decision to retract their consent for a CBI investigation into DK Shivakumar regarding a disproportionate assets case, deeming the initial decision illegal.

The cabinet concluded that the previous BJP government's authorization for the CBI to investigate Mr. Shivakumar's case didn't align with legal procedures. As a result, they opted to retract this authorization. Opposition parties in the state, including the BJP and the JDS, staged protests against this decision.

They accused the government of acting against legal norms and making an "unethical" choice to shield Mr. Shivakumar. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had granted consent to the CBI probe "illegitimately," preceding the opinion from the Advocate General. Mr. Yediyurappa responded to the accusation by highlighting that the Enforcement Directorate, which conducted the probe, communicated to the government, indicating that Mr. Shivakumar allegedly breached provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. They also mentioned sharing information with the CBI, urging the government to initiate appropriate action.

He further highlighted that the granting of permission had been validated by the Karnataka High Court, emphasizing that once an investigation commences, no authority holds the right to retract it. He labeled the Congress government's move to revoke the sanction as "without jurisdiction and illegal." Mr. Yediyurappa accused CM Siddaramaiah of committing an "unforgivable error" and claimed that the decision betrayed the public's trust, suggesting that the intention was to shield Mr. Shivakumar.