The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with a petition questioning his victory from the Varuna Assembly constituency in the 2023 elections.
The apex court bench, while hearing the case, directed the CM and the Election Commission to file their responses. Earlier, K. Shankara, a voter from the constituency, had filed an election petition in the Karnataka High Court, alleging corrupt practices by Siddaramaiah.KLOSIA Women Embroidery Solid Anarkali Kurta and Pant Set with Dupatta
The High Court dismissed this petition, prompting Shankara to file a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging that order. A two-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justice Sandeep Mehta, heard the SLP and issued the notice today.
The petitioner accuses Siddaramaiah of electoral malpractices, specifically claiming that the Congress party's "five guarantees" in its manifesto amounted to bribery and undue influence under Sections 123(1), 123(2), 123(4), and 123(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.Also Read: Mangaluru: Cybercrime Surge - Officials Alarmed as Educated Citizens Fall Prey Despite Awareness Efforts - Report
As the party's candidate, with his photo on the manifesto and involvement in distributing "guarantee cards," Siddaramaiah is held jointly responsible, the plea argues. It seeks to declare his election void and bar him from contesting for six years.
The High Court, in its April 22, 2025, order, had rejected the petition under Order VII Rule 11 of the CPC, citing lack of material facts, no cause of action, and being barred by law referencing prior Supreme Court precedents like the Subramaniam Balaji case on manifestos.Also Read: Disruption in IndiGo Flight Services: Railways Introduces Special Arrangement for Passengers’ Convenience!
The Supreme Court has now ordered the CM and Election Commission to respond within four weeks, marking a significant legal challenge for Siddaramaiah amid ongoing political scrutiny in Karnataka.