Former Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr CN Ashwath Narayan has approached the Karnataka High Court to seek the quashing of an FIR registered against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a pre-election rally. The FIR was lodged based on a complaint filed on May 24, 2023, which accused Narayan of using offensive language against Siddaramaiah during the February 2023 election campaign. The BJP leader has been charged under Sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Narayan, in his plea, argued that his statements were made in the context of motivating his party workers and defeating political opponents through the electoral process. He claimed that the complainant, M Lakshmana, filed the complaint shortly after the new ruling party took office, suggesting personal and political motives. Narayan contended that the complaint lacked clarity regarding the victim and failed to establish the elements of criminal intimidation and provocation. He further alleged that the complainant was exploiting the electoral victory to settle scores with political rivals. The plea is scheduled to be heard by Justice M Nagaprasanna tomorrow.
TAGS: Ashwath Narayan BJP leader Karnataka High Court quashing FIR derogatory remarks Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rally State Assembly elections complaint criminal intimidation provocation Indian Penal Code (IPC) election campaign motivate party workers opponent electoral poll ruling party power personal gain disturbance enmity hatred public capitalise victory political rivals plea hearing Justice M Nagaprasanna.
