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Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Karnataka Lokayukta Probe in DK Shivakumar Case

The Supreme Court has declined to grant a stay on the Karnataka Lokayukta’s ongoing investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets against Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The court emphasized adherence to legal procedure and refused to interfere at this stage.

A bench led by Justice Aniruddha Bose heard the plea filed by Shivakumar, who had sought to halt the Lokayukta investigation. The court observed that there was no pressing reason to intervene at this juncture, particularly as the probe is still in its preliminary stages.

The case pertains to allegations that Shivakumar amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure as a public servant. The Karnataka Lokayukta initiated the investigation following a complaint and obtained the necessary permissions to proceed. Shivakumar has denied the allegations, terming them politically motivated.

During the hearing, Shivakumar’s counsel argued that the investigation was initiated without adequate evidence and that it infringed upon his fundamental rights. However, the bench responded that established legal mechanisms exist to address such concerns and that the investigative process should not be prematurely obstructed.

The court also highlighted the principle that interference in ongoing investigations should be exercised sparingly and only in cases of clear legal violations. “The investigation by the Lokayukta must be allowed to proceed as per law unless a procedural irregularity or mala fide intent is evident,” the bench remarked.

The Lokayukta’s investigation has attracted significant political attention in Karnataka, with opposition parties alleging misuse of institutions, while supporters of Shivakumar argue the case is an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The Supreme Court’s decision signals its reluctance to disrupt statutory processes, affirming the autonomy of investigative bodies like the Lokayukta. The case will now proceed in accordance with the law, subject to the findings of the ongoing probe.




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