Date:05/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/05/stories/2006090507660400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Janardhan Reddy gets bail in two cases

Staff Reporter

Special Public Prosecutor Hanumantharaya does not oppose plea

The two cases have been posted for evidence on September 9

The Chief Minister filed the defamation case after Mr. Reddy alleged that he had received bribe from mine owners

BJP MLC G. Janardhan Reddy coming out of the City Civil Court premises after he secured bail, in Bangalore on Monday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: The 34th Additional City Civil and Sessions judge A.L. Pujar released the suspended BJP MLC G. Janardhan Reddy on bail in the two cases of defamation against him by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Home Minister M.P. Prakash.

Mr. Pujar released Mr. Reddy after the latter submitted Rs. 50,000 cash surety and Rs. 50,000 bond in each of the two cases.

The two cases have been posted for evidence on September 9.

Mr. Reddy appeared before the court at 11 a.m.

His advocate C.V. Nagesh filed applications under Section 437 of Criminal Procedure Code seeking bail in the two cases. C.H. Hanumantharaya, the Special Public Prosecutor for the case filed by the Chief Minister, submitted that he had no objections for grant of bail as the offence committed by Mr. Reddy was bailable. The judge allowed the two applications.

Mr. Reddy submitted to the court that he had not received any copies of the documents supporting the defamation cases filed against him.

For this, Mr. Hanumantharaya said that there was a report filed by the police before the court that mentioned that Mr. Reddy had received the documents.

The Chief Minister filed the defamation case after Mr. Reddy alleged that the former and his family members had received Rs. 150 crore from mine owners of Bellary.

Mr. Reddy had also spoken of the involvement of two Ministers — Mr. Prakash and C. Chennigappa. He made the allegation not only in the Legislative Council but repeated it outside. The Chief Minister filed the case under Section 199 of Cr.P.C. that refers to allegations made against persons holding public office.

This was different from the case filed under Section 200. Here, the complainant need not make a sworn statement.

The court takes cognisance of the defamatory statements made, based on documents and other material.

Video recordings

The Chief Minister has produced the video recordings of the allegedly defamatory statements and the newspaper clippings of these statements were also submitted, as evidence.

Another defamation case has been filed by Mr. Prakash for the allegations that Mr. Prakash and his son were involved in transaction.

This case was filed by Deputy Director of Prosecution K. Janardhan.