Court reserves order on Darshan’s plea against jail authorities for denial of basic facilities
Bengaluru: The City Civil and Sessions Court has reserved its order till October 9 on a petition filed by Kannada actor Darshan, seeking contempt proceedings against Parappana Agrahara jail officials for allegedly failing to provide him the minimum facilities mandated under the prison manual.
The matter came up before the 57th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court on Tuesday. Darshan’s counsel argued that despite court directions, the prison authorities had not provided even basic amenities. On the other hand, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) representing the jail authorities maintained that all facilities permissible under the manual had been extended.
Superintendent Suresh appeared before the court and submitted a written explanation. The SPP P. Prasanna Kumar told the court that Darshan had been given access to a telephone, video conferencing, blanket, bed sheet, pillow, plates, and tumblers. He added that the prison manual does not allow for a cot or special barrack as demanded. Darshan is allowed to walk for an hour each in the morning and evening within the available space. “All basic facilities listed in the manual have been provided. But special requests like exposure to sunlight or a separate barrack cannot be claimed as a fundamental right,” the SPP argued.
Darshan’s lawyer Sunil countered that the court’s orders were being ignored. He argued that simple requests for bedding and protection from cold were being denied. “We are not asking for a golden cot. Only basic needs like mattress and pillow. The jail authorities claim facilities are given, but apart from one blanket, nothing has been provided after the court order,” he said.
The counsel further alleged that Darshan had been kept in a quarantine cell, unlike any other prisoner, and placed next to cells where terrorists were once housed. He claimed the rule of keeping a prisoner in quarantine applied only for 14 days, or in case of violations inside the prison for up to 60 days. “Darshan is being subjected to restrictions not found anywhere in law. Even convicted rapist Umesh Reddy has a room with a colour TV, while VIP prisoners get special facilities. Only Darshan is being singled out,” he argued.
The SPP maintained that a quarantine cell was part of the prison system and the administration was empowered to allocate any cell depending on security concerns. He said Darshan, as an undertrial, could be lodged in any cell. “He has earlier misused facilities. Considering the risks, a separate cell is justified. The authorities are within their rights under the rules,” he said.
After hearing both sides, the court reserved its order for October 9.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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