K’taka Govt reconstitutes legal panel to handle communal cases from Mangaluru, DK district
Bengaluru: In a move aimed at strengthening legal representation in sensitive communal cases, the Government of Karnataka has reconstituted a special panel of law officers to handle such cases arising from the jurisdiction of the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and the Dakshina Kannada District Police Unit before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka.
This decision, issued through Government Order dated July 3, 2025, comes in the wake of growing communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru City and a rise in the number of such cases being registered in recent times.
According to the official order, the newly formed panel supersedes an earlier Government Order dated June 20, 2025, and includes the following legal officers from the Advocate General’s Office:
1. B.A. Belliappa – State Public Prosecutor – I
2. Shahul Hameed Reheman – Additional Advocate General
3. Pradeep C.S – Additional Advocate General
4. Asma Kouser – Additional State Public Prosecutor
5. Rashmi Jadhav – Additional State Public Prosecutor
The panel is empowered to take the assistance of the concerned High Court Government Pleader for handling specific cases when required.
The reconstitution was initiated based on a request from the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), Karnataka, through a letter dated June 11, 2025. The police chief had highlighted the pressing need for a dedicated legal team to manage and pursue the rising number of communal cases effectively, especially in light of the sensitive law-and-order situation in the region.
The government, after due consultation with the Advocate General of Karnataka, approved the formation of this high-powered legal panel. The appointed officers are expected to ensure robust prosecution and uphold the rule of law in communal cases that reach the High Court from these two key jurisdictions in the coastal district.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
