Complaint filed against KDA chairman for remarks on Yakshagana artists
Mangaluru: Kannada Development Authority chairman Purushothama Bilimale has been accused of making insulting remarks against Yakshagana artistes. A complaint in this regard has been filed at the Urwa Police Station.
Yakshagana artiste Ravi Alevuraya submitted the complaint, stating that the comments made by Prof. Bilimale were demeaning to Yakshagana as an art form and disrespectful to its artistes. He has urged the police to take legal action.
However, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Reddy clarified that the issue falls under defamation. He said this is not a case in which the police can register an FIR and investigate. The complainant has been advised to approach the court for further action.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
