BENGALURU: The High Court on Tuesday directed Information and Public Relations Department director N R Vishukumar to appear in person on Monday and bring the documents related to a dispute over the state film awards for 2009-10.
Hearing a petition challenging the awards, Justice Abdul Nazeer said the allegations of bribery in selection of awardees and movies are serious in nature. The selection committee cannot select movies as per its whims and fancies, he said while questioning why the list of 2009-10 awards should not be withdrawn.
Petitioner S Radha, proprietor of SNR Creations, alleged that irregularities have been surfacing every year. Although a deadline of May 19, 2012 was fixed to distribute awards to films in Kannada and other regional languages, 14 movies were selected after the deadline, she contended.
However, the government’s counsel defended this, saying that the committee has the discretion to do so. Justice Nazeer expressed surprise over the 2009 awards being given in 2012. The selection committee is acting against rules, and the awards are being distributed at the cost of the tax payers, he said.
HC Issues Notice to CAG, Chief Secy
The High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the state Chief Secretary in connection with three FIRs filed by the Lokayukta police against former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
Hearing Yeddyurappa’s three petitions challenging the FIRs, Justice A N Venugopala Gowda also directed the petitioner’s counsel to implead both as respondents, and adjourned the matter for hearing till Thursday.
Hearing Adjourned
Bengaluru: The Lokayukta special court on Tuesday adjourned hearing on an anticipatory bail petition of Ashwin Y, son of Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, till Thursday. Judge V G Bopaiah adjourned the hearing after Ashwin’s counsel sought more time. Ashwin has applied for anticipatory bail in connection with the FIR registered by Lokayukta SP Sonia Narang. In fact, he was arrested in connection with another complaint filed by one P B Channabasappa.
Judge Recuses in Kheny Case
Kalaburagi: High Court Justice A V Chandrashekhar on Tuesday recused himself from the hearing of an appeal by Bidar South MLA Ashok Kheny to quash the cases registered against him in the Market police station in Bidar. Justice Chandrashekhar said as his son is arguing against Kheny in the NICE case, he would recuse himself. He said he would request the Chief Justice of Karnataka to transfer the case to another judge.