Provocative speech case: HC acquits Nalin, Jagadish Karanth

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 8, 2018:  The State High Court has passed a judgement on July 7, Saturday acquitting Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader Jagadish Karanth in a case of  delivering a communally provocative speech at Sullia in the year 2009.

A person named  KS Umar had filed a private petition on March 4, 2009 alleging that 12 persons including Nalin and  Jagadish Karanth  had delivered the provocative speech during a  Hindu Jana Jagrithi programme held at Sullia Chennakeshava Temple grounds on February 12, 2009.

The High Court has absolved the accused on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove  charges against the accused. It also stated that the complaint filing was delayed for no valid reason and that the  witnesses had deposed against the accused with  malafide political intentions.

Advocate Arun Shyam was the legal counsel for the  accused.