Nadda’s counsel argued that if the Court examined the alleged statements made by Nadda at the rally, it would find no grounds for offences under Section 171C (undue influence at elections) or Section 171F (punishment for undue influence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday (7th Nov) quashed an FIR filed last year against BJP national president JP Nadda over allegations of attempting to exert undue influence during an election rally in Haveri district, Karnataka.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled to quash the FIR, noting that no offence was evident in the case.
Nadda’s counsel argued that if the Court examined the alleged statements made by Nadda at the rally, it would find no grounds for offences under Section 171C (undue influence at elections) or Section 171F (punishment for undue influence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The counsel pointed out that Nadda merely encouraged people to vote for the BJP, saying,
“Karnataka mein BJP ki ganga behti rahe. Main aapse vote maangne aya hoon. Modi ji ke ashirwad se vanchit na rahen,” which translates to, “May the BJP’s flow continue in Karnataka. I have come to ask for your vote. Don’t miss out on Modi’s blessings.” According to the counsel, this appeal was not undue influence.
Justice Nagaprasanna observed orally that the speech contained nothing problematic and thus ruled that there was no case.
The FIR was initially filed following Nadda’s speech on April 19, 2023, at Shiggaon Taluk playground, where Election Officer Lakshman Nandi alleged that Nadda had warned voters that they would be deprived of benefits from the Union government if they did not support the BJP.
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