Remarks against Siddaramaiah: K'taka HC stays FIR against BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan for four weeks
Bengaluru, May 30: The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday stayed the FIR against former Deputy Chief Minister and Malleshwaram BJP MLA Dr C N Ashwath Narayan for four weeks.
Narayan had approached the High Court seeking a direction to quash the FIR lodged against him for his remarks against the then Leader of Opposition and current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Justice M Nagaprasanna who heard the petition and arguments by senior advocate Prabhuling Navadgi said that prima facie the offence under Section 153 of the IPC (provocation for rioting) was not forthcoming.
In a meeting of BJP workers on February 15, Narayan had called upon the party supporters to "finish off Siddaramaiah just like Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda finished off Tipu Sultan". The complaint against Narayan was lodged by one M Lakshmana in the Devaraja Police Station, Mysuru.
Navadgi, the Advocate General in the previous government, argued Narayan's case and pointed out that the complaint by a Congress party member was filed on May 24, 2023 after the new government came to power and the FIR was registered the same day, which showed malicious intentions.
Another complaint was filed in February itself and a non-cognisable report was filed in the issue, the court was informed.
"The complaint is filed only with a malicious intention of harassing the petitioner and the complaint itself speaks of expressing suspicion of threat to life, which in fact does not exist," the petition by Narayan said.
In the prayer, the petition said, "The petitioner being an MLA representing his constituency would be put to great hardship and distress if the further proceedings under the FIR are not stayed. The complainant will be put to no hardship if the interim order as prayed for is granted."
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M'luru: NRI Michael D'Souza family launches 'Educare Endowment' fund to aid underprivileged students
Mangaluru: Mangalore Diocese Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha on Monday launched the 'Educare Endowment Fund,' established at CODP (Canara Organisation for Development and Peace) by non-resident Indian and 'Vision Konkani' pioneer Michael D'Souza and his family.
At the CODP hall in Nanthoor, Bishop Saldanha lit the lamp and symbolically handed over interest-free loans to talented students. The Bishop noted that since 2013, Michael's financial assistance for empowering the weaker sections of the community has instilled hope within society.
"This initiative aims to motivate more students in the community, with the understanding that they will repay the aid after securing employment.
Visionary projects like this are crucial for uplifting the weaker sections of society, likening it to the saying that a country without vision will be destroyed," he added.
Nisha D'Souza, Michael D'Souza's daughter, expressed her happiness in continuing the project that started 10 years ago to support talented students from underprivileged families within the community. Flavia D'Souza, Michael's wife, and Valerian D'Souza were also present.
Director of CODP, Vincent D'Souza, delivered the welcome and introductory speech, while Counselor Richard Alvaris moderated the program. Coordinator Reena D'Costa delivered the vote of thanks.
A donation check of Rs. 75 lakh was presented during the event by Michael D'Souza and his family to CODP, which will be used to provide financial assistance to 84 students pursuing higher education, including MBBS and Engineering, this year.
"Michael D'Souza has been providing this financial assistance for the past 12 years, benefiting 3,300 individuals so far. The scheme is currently managed by CODP. Aid is granted to students with the condition that it will be repaid within one and a half years after completing their education," stated Vincent D'Souza.
