HC dismisses PIL seeking Governor’s nod for prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah in Mining case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought directions to the Governor to grant sanction for prosecution against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act in connection with alleged illegal grant and renewal of mining leases.
The petition had been filed by Bengaluru-based businessman M.P. Venugopal and came up before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale (Correction: please confirm, original says Vibhu Bakhru) and Justice C.M. Joshi on Thursday.
When the case was called twice, the petitioner’s counsel failed to appear before the bench. Taking note of this and citing non-compliance with legal procedure, the court dismissed the petition.
The PIL had demanded that the Governor be directed to approve prosecution against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the PC Act. It further sought a direction for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an independent probe into the alleged illegal renewal of mining leases, and for the Lokayukta to submit a report on the matter.
The petitioner had also asked the court to cancel mining leases granted to Ramgad Minerals and Mining Pvt. Ltd. and Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Co., declaring all such leases illegal. Additionally, it called for recovery of alleged financial losses from those who benefitted from illegal mining contracts.
Apart from Siddaramaiah, the petition had also named former Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department Tushar Girinath, along with several private mining companies, as respondents.
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.
CIAL to be hub for multimodal cargo network, says Kerala CM Vijayan
Kochi (Kerala) (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that a multimodal cargo network integrating air, road, rail, and water routes will be established, with CIAL serving as its primary hub.
He was speaking while inaugurating the plenary session of the International Cargo Business Summit, organised by CIAL in association with FICCI, marking the 25th anniversary of Cochin International Airport Limited's cargo department.
The chief minister inaugurated the event by moving a gear lever on a cockpit model installed on the stage.
Vijayan stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to Kerala's economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport.
He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonne of cargo in the last financial year, and this is expected to rise to 74,000 tonne in the current fiscal year.
CIAL has provided a 50 per cent dividend to its investors and stands as a model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges benefiting four panchayats is also underway.
Furthermore, CIAL has begun the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will commence immediately upon approval.
In his presidential address, State Industries Minister P Rajeev mentioned that prominent global companies establishing logistics parks near CIAL would allow for greater utilisation of the airport's cargo potential.
He added that the presence of large-scale companies reflects the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.
The chief minister honoured institutions that demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony.
CIAL Managing Director S Suhas delivered the welcome speech.
CIAL Cargo Department Head Satheesh Kumar R Pai delivered the vote of thanks.
