HC grants interim relief to BJP MLA B.P. Harish in Davanagere SP defamation case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has issued an interim order restraining coercive action against BJP MLA B.P. Harish in connection with a case registered over his alleged derogatory remarks against Davanagere Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashanth.
Justice M.I. Arun, hearing Harish’s petition seeking to quash the FIR filed at KTJ Nagar Police Station in Davanagere, passed the interim order on Friday. The court also directed the MLA to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, notices have been issued to the respondents KTJ Nagar Police and SP Uma Prashanth, who is the complainant, and the matter has been adjourned.
Appearing on behalf of Harish, advocate P. Venkatesh Dalawai argued that the MLA had not intended to tarnish the reputation of the SP. He said the statement was made in the context of district-level ministers allegedly misusing their powers and failing to respect senior officers. He added that Harish had already issued a clarification through a press note.
The counsel further submitted that Harish had not mentioned the SP’s name directly but had made a general comment criticising the system. However, the case has been given a political colour and registered with mala fide intent, amounting to misuse of legal provisions.
The controversy began after SP Uma Prashanth lodged a complaint on the night of September 2. She alleged that during a press conference earlier that afternoon at the Davanagere Press Club, Harish had insulted her by comparing her conduct to that of a “Pomeranian dog belonging to the Shamanur family.” The complaint said Harish further remarked that the SP seemed to treat only those in power with importance and failed to respect all elected representatives equally.
Calling the MLA’s words “derogatory, offensive and deeply humiliating,” SP Uma Prashanth stated that the comments caused her severe mental distress and damage to her dignity, especially as a woman and as a senior police officer.
Based on her complaint, police booked Harish under Sections 79 (outraging the dignity of a woman) and 132 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of duty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Challenging this FIR, Harish approached the High Court seeking relief.
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Explosion in Molakera village: Minister Eshwara Khandre inquiries about health of injured
Bidar: District In-charge Minister Eshwara Khandre visited the injured in the mysterious explosion that took place in Molakera village of Humnabad taluk and are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital. The minister visited the hospital this morning and enquired about the health condition of the injured.
Speaking to reporters after the hospital visit, Khandre described the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate. “Yesterday’s explosion in Molakera village is extremely tragic. Four children sustained burn injuries, while two adults were seriously injured. One of them has been shifted to Solapur and the other to Hyderabad for advanced medical treatment,” he said.
He assured that all the injured are receiving proper medical care and that the district administration is closely monitoring their condition. “Doctors have been instructed to provide the best possible treatment to the injured,” the minister said.
Khandre said that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible. “The government has taken this incident very seriously. I met the Chief Minister yesterday and briefed him on the facts of the incident,” he said.
He further announced that the government will bear the entire cost of medical treatment for all the injured. “Strict legal action will be taken against whoever is found responsible after the investigation,” he assured, while appealing to the villagers not to panic
