High Court rebukes MLA Harish Poonja for protest outside police station
asks him to refrain from acting like court
Bengaluru: Belthangadi MLA Harish Poonja faced severe criticism from the State High Court for staging a protest outside a police station, demanding the release of an individual arrested for illegal mining and stockpiling explosives.
A bench led by Justice Krishna Dixit, presiding over the petitions filed by MLA Harish Poonja contesting two FIRs against the police, expressed deep disapproval of the MLA's actions. The court questioned the appropriateness of an elected representative engaging in such protests, observing that individuals detained by the police have legal remedy through the local magistrate's court or habeas corpus petitions.
Justice Dixit further observed the importance of legislators focusing on lawmaking rather than interfering with police duties, urging MLA Poonja to refrain from acting like a court. The bench emphasized the need to protect law enforcement agencies and warned against any disruptions to their functioning.
The court also observed that while conflicts with the police may arise, it is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure due process for those arrested. Following arguments, the bench issued a notice to the government and instructed MLA Poonja to refrain from causing further disturbances until further notice, adjourning the hearing.
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Plea in Madras HC calls for SIT/ED/CBI probe into Gautam Adani's indictment in US bribery case
Chennai: A plea has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or directions to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the corruption charges against Indian businessman Gautam Adani. The plea follows Adani’s indictment by the United States Department of Justice in the Eastern District of New York on bribery charges.
Filed by Advocate and Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi President ML Ravi, the plea alleges that Adani, along with other businessmen and power distribution companies in India, was involved in a scheme to bribe Indian government officials. The bribes were reportedly aimed at securing lucrative solar energy contracts with Indian entities. According to the US Department of Justice, Adani’s group paid USD 265 million in bribes, primarily to officials in Andhra Pradesh, to secure contracts with state electricity distribution companies between 2001 and 2023.
Ravi criticised the Indian authorities for their silence on the matter, despite the exposure of the corruption by foreign agencies. He argued that the lack of action by Indian investigation agencies undermines public trust and hinders national development. He called for a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the allegations, asserting that public officials had abused their power for personal gain, in violation of their duties.
