14-06-2023 : In a defamation case filed by the BJP, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Bengaluru has issued summons to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. The special court, dedicated to matters involving elected representatives, has taken cognizance of the charges under IPC Sections 499 and 500. The case pertains to advertisements published by the Congress during the state Assembly polls, which allegedly made defamatory statements against the BJP.
The defamation case was filed by BJP state Secretary S. Keshavaprasad on May 9. The petitioner claimed that the allegations made by the Congress in their advertisements, including the 40 percent commission scam, were baseless, defamatory, and prejudiced. The advertisements highlighted issues such as the alleged PSI recruitment scam, the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) scam, and reported scandals at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
During the election campaign, the Congress also targeted the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government, accusing them of looting Rs 1.50 lakh crore during their regime. These allegations were part of the Congress’ campaign against the BJP.
The matter has been adjourned to July 27, and the accused parties have been summoned to appear in court. Additionally, the BJP had previously lodged a complaint regarding this matter with the Election Commission of India (ECI).