Karnataka HC halts SIT probe against H D Kumaraswamy in land encroachment case
Bengaluru, Jun 19 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted interim relief to Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy by putting a temporary hold on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into alleged land encroachment in Kethaganahalli village, Ramanagara district.
The SIT was constituted by the state government in January 2025 to examine accusations of Kumaraswamy’s involvement in illegal land occupation.
Challenging the legality of the probe, the former chief minister moved the High Court, questioning the procedural foundation of the investigation team.
During the hearing on Thursday, Justice E S Indiresh pointed out that there appeared to be no official notification accompanying the government order that had established the SIT.
Taking note of this lapse, the court stayed both the SIT’s formation and the summons issued to Kumaraswamy until the matter is heard further.
The High Court also directed the government advocate to respond to the petition.
Senior advocate Udaya Holla and advocate Nishanth AV represented Kumaraswamy in court.
The ruling comes as a notable reprieve for the JD(S) leader, who has alleged political vendetta behind the SIT action.
Kumaraswamy has maintained that the land in question was legally acquired by him in 1984 and has long accused the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of orchestrating a targeted campaign against him.
Slamming the ongoing land survey in Ramanagara, Kumaraswamy had called it a politically driven move.
"Earlier, SITs were headed by IPS officers. Now even IAS officers are leading them," he remarked sarcastically.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the complaints and claimed to possess evidence implicating others in unlawful land dealings.
"I haven’t looted government land like Siddaramaiah. Let them investigate. I have nothing to hide," he alleged.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
