The Karnataka High Court heard former MLA Vinay Kulkarni’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence in BJP leader Yogesh Gowda’s murder case. The Court noted that involvement of political figures in heinous crimes is rare in Karnataka, while the CBI opposed bail.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that maintenance cannot be granted to wives automatically without examining financial circumstances. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha said courts must consider income, independence and responsibilities of both spouses before passing orders, setting aside a direction requiring a husband to pay Rs 20,000 monthly.
Karnataka High Court slammed police for illegal arrests, warning that wearing a uniform does not permit misuse of power or disregard for the law. “You have uniform, can you do anything?… If a crime is committed, definitely send him to jail, but in a manner known to law.”
The Karnataka High Court ruled that a second wife and daughter dependent on a deceased accident victim cannot be denied compensation. The Court held that dependency, not a narrow definition of legal heirs, determines entitlement under the Motor Vehicles Act and enhanced compensation by Rs 15 lakh.
The Karnataka High Court allowed hysterectomy for a 23-year-old woman with severe intellectual disabilities after finding she could not make an informed decision. Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that medical evidence showed the procedure was in her best interests, protecting her welfare, dignity and safety.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that private parties cannot bypass statutory requirements in criminal contempt proceedings. The Court held that petitions filed without written consent of the Advocate General are not maintainable and can only be treated as information brought before the court.
The Karnataka High Court rejected bail pleas of four accused persons for allegedly posting defamatory, obscene and intimidating social media remarks against Vijayalakshmi, wife of actor Darshan. Justice S Rachaiah observed that online platforms cannot become tools for harassment, intimidation or character assassination.
The Karnataka High Court discussed rising courtroom overcrowding issues as lawyers, litigants, and staff faced space constraints. Justice M Nagaprasanna sought suggestions from advocates to manage the situation, saying, “How? All of you give me a solution, I’ll implement it.”
Representing JSW Energy and JSW Steel, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas secured a significant Karnataka High Court ruling quashing KERC’s captive status verification procedure. The judgment provides major relief to captive power users and reinforces the regulatory framework governing captive power projects.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the appointment of DK Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister and the swearing-in of the State Cabinet, calling it “frivolous” and “a publicity stunt.” The Court also imposed a Rs.50,000 cost on the petitioner for wasting judicial time.
