Today, the Karnataka High Court rejected petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress' State incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala, and legislators Ramalinga Reddy and MB Patil, seeking to quash a criminal case registered against them in 2022 

The case pertained to an alleged illegal march towards the residence of then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, where they reportedly shouted slogans and demanded the resignation of then Minister KS Eshwarappa.

The single-headed bench of Justice Krishna S. Dixit rejected the petition filed by the accused individuals and instructed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appear before the Special Court on March 6.

Additionally, a penalty of Rs. 10,000 was levied on each of the petitioners for including the police officer as a party respondent in her personal capacity.

''“I have considered all contentions raised by the parties. Reference is made to one American court judgment and three judgments of the Apex Court, considered under 155 155(3).''

Further, it said, “Mr. Siddaramaih shall appear before the court on March 6. Surjewal shall appear before the court below on March 7. MB Patil shall appear on March 11. Ramalinga Reddy on March 15 and seek further orders. In the event the legislature session intervenes, it is open for the learned judge below to alter the date of appearance."

The court also denied the petitioners' request for a stay on the judgment to allow them time to file an appeal. 

It is alleged that on April 14, 2022, a group comprising 35–40 members, led by Surjewala, DK Shivakumar, and Siddaramaiah, proceeded onto the public road towards the Chief Minister's residence, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of then Minister KS Eshwarappa

Case Title: Siddaramaiah AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRL.P 7533/2023