Date:22/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/22/stories/2006022203270500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Nanje Gowda's plea dismissed

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed as "infructuous" a petition by former Minister H.N. Nanje Gowda challenging the contempt proceedings initiated against him by the Lokayukta.

On July 30, 2001, Lokayukta N. Venkatachala ordered issue of contempt proceedings against Mr. Nanje Gowda for allegedly making certain remarks against the authority at a press meet.

The Lokayukta initiated contempt proceedings under Section S 17-A of the Lokayutka Act. The authority directed Mr. Nanje Gowda to appear before him. Mr. Nanje Gowda challenged the Lokayukta's action in the High Court, and the court stayed the contempt proceedings. On July 2, 2003, the Lokayukta informed Mr. Nanje Gowda that the proceedings have been dropped.

On Tuesday, the court was told that the matter has become infructuous as the Lokayukta has dropped the contempt proceedings.