Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 11: Former Karnataka chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, who was facing the likely prospect of getting arrested relating to investigation into the allegation of helping Jantakal Enterprises to procure mining licence illegally, got big relief from the high court (HC) which granted him anticipatory bail on Thursday August 10.

The high court, which disposed off application for anticipatory bail filed by Kumaraswamy, granted conditional bail to him. The much-needed relief was extended by a single judge bench presided over by Justice Rathkala.

The HC prescribed provision of two sureties for five lac rupees each, personal presence before the investigating officers of special investigation team once every 15 days, and extending full cooperation to ongoing investigation. It also prescribed the condition that Kumaraswamy should not try to destroy evidence or influence witnesses.

Advocate, Pasha, appearing on behalf of the former chief minister, argued that the charges levelled by special investigating team officials against the Kumaraswamy lacked in substance. He said that the officers have filed several first information reports pertaining to the same charge. He pointed out that bail has already been granted to his client in other cases, and requested the bench to consider anticipatory bail in this case.