Karnataka High Court Monthly Digest: March 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 81 to 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 126

Nominal Index

Pavankumar AND State of Karnataka & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 81

Dinesh Borkar & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 82

Bhagavant Alagur AND State of Karnataka & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 83

Gurunath Vadde AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 84

BMTC AND IFFCO TOKIO GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 85

Vijaya Bank & AND AND Abhimanyu Kumar. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 86

Thomas Mani And G Shankar. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 87

The Divisional Controller AND Hussainsab. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 88

Uttaradi Mutt And State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 89

Starlog Enterprises Limited Board of Trustees of New Mangalore Port Trust. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 90

Parvathi AND Directorate of Enforcement (CRL.P 1132/2025) and another. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 91

ABC AND XYZ. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 92

Neelavva @Neelamma AND Chandravva & Others.. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 93

Vinod Kumar M N AND Union of India & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 94

Devendra Bhatia AND State of Karnataka & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 95

B C Prasad & ANR AND The District Registrar And Deputy Commissioner of Stamps & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 96

Ismail Jabiulla & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 97

Prabhu Haveri AND The Commissioner For Social Welfare And Appellate Authority & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 98

Arthi B AND Karnataka State Law University & OThers. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 99

Munirathna AND State Of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 100

H Sanna Devanna & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 101

Moulali Challal AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 102

M.A.DHAVALESHWAR AND THE STATE OF KARNATAKA & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 103

Ramesh Karoshi AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 104

RAHUL SIVASANKAR AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 105

Karnataka Hire Purchase Association AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 106

Savitha Gowda AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 107

PADMA MALINI G. RAO & ANR AND RAVI KARUMBAIAH. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 108

Avinash AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 109

Bherya Primary Agriculture Credit Coopearative Society Ltd AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 110

KARNATAKA KARMIKARA VEDIKE AND State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 111

Saraswathi Prakash & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 112

S Laxmi & Other And THE ADDL. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 113

The PR. Commissioner of Income Tax v. Waterline Hotels Pvt. Ltd. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 114

The State Of Karnataka v. Tractor And Farm Equipment Limited. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 115

G. Linganagouda v. General Manager, Karnataka Gramina Bank. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 116

Prabhat Sharma And State of Karnataka. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 117

Mohanakumar K R & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others . 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 118

M R Rukmangadha & Others AND State of Karnataka & others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 119

B G Parmeshwara AND Bangalore Development Authority & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 120

SAMMAAN CAPITAL LIMITED AND MANTRI INFRASTRUCTURE PVT LTD & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 121

Prabhu Chavan AND State of Karnataka & Others. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 122

M/S ENMAS GB POWER SYSTEMS PROJECTS LTD AND MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES FACILITATION COUNCIL & ANR. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 123

R M Manjunath Gowda AND Directorate of Enforcement. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 124

Ramu Nagabathini Versus Developer Group India Private Limited. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 125

M/s Yellalinga Electricals v. The Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes. 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 126

Judgments/Orders

Govt Can't Pass Interim Order Directing Payment Of Wages To Workmen Without Hearing Management, Workers Union: Karnataka HC

Case Title: THE MANAGEMENT OF MAHINDRA AEROSTRUCTURES PRIVATE LIMITED AND THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY/ DEPUTY SPECIAL OFFICER & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 16742 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 81

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that the government cannot pass an interim order directing payment of wages in favour of workmen of a company without hearing the company management and the workers union.

Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde held thus while allowing a petition filed by the Management of Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited, challenging a June 11, 2024 order passed by Principal Secretary/Deputy Special Officer, Child Labour Cell To Department Of Labour, directing payment of Rs.6,000 per month as interim wages in favour of the workman of the petitioner/Management.

The court set aside the order and said “The application filed by the Union pending before the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal seeking interim measure shall be considered by the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal.”

'Satire Protected Under Article 19' : Karnataka High Court Quashes FIR Over College Skit Allegedly Insulting Ambedkar & Dalits

Case Title: Dinesh Borkar & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 2845 OF 2023 C/W CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 2064 OF 2023.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 82

The Karnataka High Court recently quashed a case registered against students and faculty members of the Jain Centre of Management Studies (Deemed University) who were booked for staging a skit that allegedly referred to Dr B R Ambedkar and Dalits in a derogatory manner.

Justice S R Krishna Kumar allowed the petitions filed by Dinesh Nilkant Borkar and others and quashed the prosecution initiated against them.

It said, “The skit/short play performed by the petitioner was in the nature of satire/entertainment, which is constitutionally protected under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression and the impugned FIR clearly does not meet or satisfy the basic ingredients of the offences alleged against the petitioner.”

Indiscriminate River Sand Mining Affects Drinking Water Supply: Karnataka High Court Asks State To Monitor Rivers Via Satellite Imagery

Case Title: Bhagavant Alagur AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 100263 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 83

The Karnataka High Court has asked the State government to implement a system which could give real time feedback on any changes, which occur to river banks and or sand bars in the State of Karnataka.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj has said “It is high time that the available technology is harnessed to address these kind of issues and the State of Karnataka implements a satellite based imagery system through the Department of Mines and Minerals and or such other departments like the Revenue Department, Forest Department etc., So that the boundaries of the rivers, Sand Bars and such other details are identified and marked on satellite maps and any change which occurs thereto, is notified to the concerned authorities to take necessary action.”

High Court Rejects PILs Seeking Enquiry Into PWD, Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Department Over Alleged Irregularities In Issuing Tenders

Case Title: Gurunath Vadde AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 2036/2024 & WP 1040/2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 84

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed two public interest litigations seeking a direction to the State Government to hold high level enquiry into the alleged illegalities and irregularities committed by the Public Works Department and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Department, during the period 2016-17 to 2021-22, while calling for tenders, tender process payment of bills making unauthorized advances to the contractor etc.

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice M I Arun dismissed the petition filed by Gurunath Vadde and said “Upon going through the averments and hearing the submission of advocate, the petition is based on general assertions. On the basis of general details, public interest jurisdiction cannot be exercised. Not only that petitioner has the remedy of approaching the Lokayukta or to pursue legal remedy if the individual cases are detected.”

'No Evidence': Karnataka HC Rejects BMTC's Claim That It Lost 13 Days Revenue As Bus Was In Repair After Accident, Refuses To Enhance Compensation

Case Title: BMTC AND IFFCO TOKIO GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD & ANR

Case No: M.F.A. NO. 3567 OF 2022

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 85

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed an appeal by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) seeking enhancement of compensation granted by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal towards damages for a bus involved in a road accident.

The court dismissed the plea after noting that the BMTC could not produce cogent evidence to prove that the bus was kept idle for 13 days, for carrying out repairs to the bus after the accident.

Justice Dr. Chillakur Sumalatha dismissed the appeal filed by BMTC and said “This Court is of the view that there are no grounds whatsoever to interfere with the well reasoned order of the Tribunal. Thus this Court ultimately holds that the appeal lacks merits and deserves dismissal”.

Karnataka High Court Lets Vijaya Bank Retain ₹3 Lakh Indemnity Recovered From Employee Who Left Before Completing Mandatory Service Period

Case Title: Vijaya Bank & AND AND Abhimanyu Kumar

Case No: WRIT APPEAL NO.138 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 86

The Karnataka High Court has set aside a single judge order directing Vijaya Bank to refund the indemnity bond amount collected from a former employee, who left its services before completing mandatory service period of three years and preferred employment with SAIL.

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind noted that a clause in the employee's joining letter issued by the bank required him to execute an indemnity bond for Rs.3,00,000/- and it was stipulated that the amount will have to be paid, if he leaves the service before the stipulated period.

The employee had joined the bank on 02.11.2011 and put in his papers on on 05.04.2012, i.e. after 5 months. As such, his request to waive of indemnity bond was declined and he was given a relieving letter after making the payment.

Negotiable Instruments Act | Complainant Can Prefer Appeal Against Acquittal Order Before Sessions Court: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Thomas Mani And G Shankar

Case No: CRIMINAL REVISION PETITION NO. 851 OF 2016

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 87

The Karnataka High Court has said that a complainant in a case under the Negotiable Instruments Act, can file an appeal against an acquittal order before the Sessions Court and need not approach the high court.

In doing so the court set aside a sessions court order which had dismissed the complainant's appeal against an acquittal order as not maintainable and had asked the complainant to file an appeal before the high court instead. Against this dismissal by sessions court, the complainant moved the high court.

The Sessions Court while dismissing the complainant–Thoman Mani's appeal as not maintainable, had relied on a decision by a coordinate single judge of the high court which had held that the complainant under provisions of Section 142 of NI Act and victim under Section 2(wa) of CrPC, are not one and the same.

Karnataka HC Debunks RTC's Contrary Actions In Defending Bus Driver Before Motor Claims Tribunal But Taking Disciplinary Action Against Him

Case Title: The Divisional Controller AND Hussainsab.

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 148260 OF 2020

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 88

The Karnataka High Court recently said that a Road Transport Corporation cannot take different stands in respect of a road accident involving its driver before the Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal and in the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the driver for the same incident.

A single judge, Justice Suraj Govindaraj said “If any accident occurs, in pursuance of which the Corporation were to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a driver. The Corporation cannot take a different stand in a claim proceeding filed in MVC matters.”

It added “The Corporation being a government entity and a State under the Constitution is required to be a model litigant. A model litigant cannot take two contradictory stands, on the one hand, contending that the driver was driving in a proper manner, virtually certifying the driver's conduct and driving abilities and, on the other hand, initiate proceedings against a driver for rash and negligent driving by contending that there is a misconduct.”

Karnataka High Court Orders Inquiry Against Police Inspector For "Undue Indulgence" In Dispute Between Two Religious Institution

Case Title: Uttaradi Mutt And State of Karnataka

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.100199 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 89

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Police Commissioner, Dharwad to initiate departmental inquiry against a police inspector for allegedly interfering with the functioning of a religious institution.

A single judge, Justice M Nagaprasanna said, “There is material in the case at hand to demonstrate that the 3 rd respondent has indulged in abuse of his power. Therefore, it becomes a fit case to direct the Commissioner, to initiate a departmental inquiry against the 3rd respondent. The departmental inquiry shall be guided to unearth the fact as to what led the 3rd respondent; who led the 3rd respondent; why was he led, to show over indulgence in the matter, in which he should not have been interfered, unless there was a law and order problem.”

Arbitration Clause Cannot Be Invoked Again Over Matters Which Have Already Been Adjudicated: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Starlog Enterprises Limited Board of Trustees of New Mangalore Port Trust

Case No: CIVIL MISC. PETITION NO. 372 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 90

The Karnataka High Court has said the Arbitration clause in the lease agreement cannot be invoked for matters that have already been adjudicated upon and concluded by both the Arbitral Tribunal and the competent courts.

Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum held thus while dismissing a petition filed by Starlog Enterprises Limited, who had approached the court praying for the appointment of a sole arbitrator to arbitrate the disputes that had arisen between him and New Mangalore Port Trust.

It said, “Given that both critical issues, the legality of the contract's termination and the refund of amounts claimed have attained finality through due legal process, the petitioner cannot invoke the arbitration clause again on the same grounds. The petitioner's attempt to initiate fresh arbitration proceedings under Section 21 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act is therefore fundamentally misconceived and legally impermissible.”

Karnataka High Court Quashes ED Summons Issued To Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Wife, Minister BS Suresh In MUDA Case

Case Title: Parvathi AND Directorate of Enforcement (CRL.P 1132/2025) and another

Case No: CRL.P 1132/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 91

The Karnataka High Court on Friday allowed the pleas by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi and Minister B S Suresh for quashing summons issued by Enforcement Directorate for their alleged involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

Justice M Nagaprasanna while pronouncing order said, "Allowed and quashed".

The court had reserved its order last month.

During the hearing senior advocate Sandesh J Chouta appearing for Parvathy had submitted that she has surrendered the sites which are alleged to be issued illegally and is neither enjoying it nor is in possession of proceeds of crime. However, in haste the ED registered its ECIR soon after an FIR was registered by the Lokayukta police on the directions of the court, he said.

Imprisonment Of Husband Cannot Exceed One Month In Single Application Claiming Arrears Of Maintenance: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: ABC AND XYZ

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 103364 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 92

The Karnataka High Court recently quashed a subsequent order passed by the trial court sentencing a husband to suffer two more months civil imprisonment after he had already spent one month, on account of non-payment of maintenance to the wife.

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar allowed the petition filed by one Chandrashekhar who had challenged the order sentencing him to undergo imprisonment for an additional period of two months for non-payment of arrears of maintenance.

The bench referred to the co-ordinate bench judgment in the case of Shri. Kallappa vs. Smt. Yallaubai, wherein it was held that a wife or person entitled to maintenance may file an application for recovery of arrears of maintenance either for the whole amount due or for each month's allowance separately. If the application is for the whole amount of arrears, the imprisonment may extend to one month, unless the payment is made sooner. Further successive applications can be filed for each month's maintenance; however, where an application is filed for the entire arrears, the imprisonment imposed cannot exceed one month, it had said.

Beneficiary Nomination Under Insurance Act Can't Override Succession Law: Karnataka HC Suggests 'Better Practices' To Follow While Enacting, Amending Law

Case Title: Neelavva @Neelamma AND Chandravva & Others.

Case No: RFA NO.100471 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 93

The Karnataka High Court has held that the amended Section 39 of the Insurance Act is not intended to override the provisions of law relating to succession.

In doing so the court said that a mother cannot, by virtue of being a beneficiary nominee under Section 39, claim absolute ownership over the benefits flowing from her son's insurance policy in view of the claim laid by the heirs of the deceased.

The court held that if the legal heirs of the deceased policy holder make a claim on the holder's policy, then the "nominee's claim has to yield to the personal law governing succession".

'Covid-19 Has Subsided And Vaccines Have Become Unnecessary Today': Karnataka High Court Disposes Man's Plea For Second Dose

Case Title: Vinod Kumar M N AND Union of India & Others

Case No: WP 257/2022

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 94

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (March 10) disposed of a 2022 petition filed by one Vinod Kumar M N seeking a direction to the authorities to give him a second dose of Covid vaccine.

A single judge, Justice M Nagaprasanna said “The petitioner is before this court seeking a direction for a second dose of covid vaccine, the covid-19 has subsided and vaccines have become unnecessary today. Therefore the petition is disposed of as having become unnecessary.”

Karnataka High Court Declines To Quash Murder Case Filed By Son Against Father Over Death Of Mother Who Fell From 16th Floor Apartment

Case Title: Devendra Bhatia AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.19567 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 95

The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash murder proceedings initiated by a man against his father after his mother died by falling from their apartment situated on the 16th floor.

Justice M Nagaprasanna while dismissing the petition filed by Devendra Bhatia said “When the evidence of both the children as quoted hereinabove would pin the petitioner down albeit, prima facie, it is ununderstandable as to how this Court would exercise its jurisdiction under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. on an offence under Section 302 of the IPC against the accused and obliterate the trial. If the children have complained against the petitioner narrating vivid details, it becomes a matter for a full-blown trial, where the petitioner has to come out clean.”

Recovery Of Stamp Duty Not Levied Or Short Levied Can Be Done Only Within Five Years After Registration Of Documents: Karnataka HC

Case Title: B C Prasad & ANR AND The District Registrar And Deputy Commissioner of Stamps & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 41844 OF 2017

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 96

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that proceedings by way of show cause notice under Section 46A of the Karnataka Stamps Act for recovery of stamp duty not levied or short levied cannot be initiated five years after the registration of the document, being the date on which the stamp duty fell due.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj said this while allowing a petition filed by B C Prasad challenging an order passed by the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal (KAT), which upheld the order of the Registrar dated 30-10-2010, directing the petitioner to remit a shortfall in the stamp duty of Rs.98,500 on the documents registered in the year 1995.

Probe By Police Before Lodging FIR Is Illegal: Karnataka HC Quashes Case Against Two Accused Of Illegally Transporting Cattle For Slaughter

Case Title: Ismail Jabiulla & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 566 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 97

The Karnataka High Court has quashed a case registered against two persons accused of illegally transporting cattle for slaughter, who were charged on the basis of a confessional statement given by the co-accused.

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar allowed the petition filed by Ismail Jabiulla and another and quashed the case registered against them under Sections 4, 6, 7, 8, and 12(2) of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020, read with provisions of the Transportation of Animals Act and Sections 181(3) and 177 of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC).

Caste Certificate Issued After Verification Can't Be Invalidated Merely Because Sibling Seeks Scholarship Under Different Caste: Karnataka HC

Case Title: Prabhu Haveri AND The Commissioner For Social Welfare And Appellate Authority & Others.

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.104264 OF 2021

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 98

The Karnataka High Court has observed that the action of a sibling in securing a scholarship under the Backward Class Category cannot invalidate the caste certificate issued to another sibling under a different caste.

Allowing the petition of one Prabhu Haveri who belonged to Hindu Bhovi caste, Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked that the 'greed' of the petitioner's brother to claim a scholarship under the Backward Class cannot invalidate the petitioner's caste certificate which was validated by the concerned authorities.

Karnataka High Court Rejects Law Student's Appeal Against Penalty Imposed For Indulging In Malpractice During Exams

Case Title: Arthi B AND Karnataka State Law University & OThers

Case No: WA 158/2025.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 99

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal filed by a law student challenging an order of the single judge which upheld the order of Karnataka State Law University, not permitting her to take future exams for indulging in malpractise during an examination.

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice M I Arun dismissed the appeal filed by Arthi B and said “The aspect that petitioner admitted to writing on the hall ticket and using it while writing the examination paper, stands in the forefront. Once the candidate has accepted all other contentions pale into insignificance, in as much as the admission will rule the adjudicatory process.”

Special Investigation Team Of CID Not Vitiated Merely Because All Members Not From CID: Karnataka HC While Rejecting BJP MLA Munirathna's Plea

Case Title: Munirathna AND State Of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION No.1724 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 100

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition filed by BJP MLA Munirathna, seeking to quash a case registered against him for allegedly demanding money from a contractor who had been entrusted under the Solid Waste Management Tender of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

The FIR is lodged under Sections 504, 506, 323, 385, 420 and 37 of the Indian Penal Code and is being investigated by the SIT. It is alleged that Munirathna had demanded money from the garbage collection contractor.

As the crimes against Munirathna had emerged from different informants for different offences, the State constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

In-Laws Who Tortured Daughter-In-Law Cannot Walk Away Scot-Free Even If Charge For Demanding Dowry Is Dropped In Chargesheet: Karnataka HC

Case Title: H Sanna Devanna & ANR AND State of Karnataka & ANR

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION No.103553 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 101

The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case against the in-laws of a woman who had tortured her.

Justice M Nagaprasanna dismissed the petition filed by H Sanna Devanna and Shivagangamma who are charged under sections 504, 506, 498A, 323, 324 R/W 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

He said “There are pointed instances of torture meted out against the complainant. She has been assaulted by pulling her hair by both accused Nos.2 and 3, the petitioners herein. There are eye witnesses to the incident. The charge sheet depicts the screaming of the daughter-in-law, heard by a neighbor, who had come to her rescue. This being the observation in the summary of the charge sheet, merely because the offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act is dropped, it would not mean that mother-in-law and father-in-law, who have tortured the daughter-in-law, could walk away scot-free.”

Once Chargesheet Is Filed, Ticking Of Clock With Regard To Statutory Bail Automatically Stops: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Moulali Challal AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL REVISION PETITION NO.100051 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 102

While denying regular bail to a rape accused, the Karnataka High Court observed that once the chargesheet is filed within the stipulated time of 60 days from the date of the complaint, the right to seek the statutory bail extinguishes.

"It is needless to emphasise that once the charge sheet is filed, ticking of the clock with regarding to statutory right which is carved out in the Statute would automatically stop." Justice V Srishananda noted.

The accused/petitioner was charged under sections Section 376(2)(n), 506 of IPC and under Sections 4,6, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. He challenged the Trial Court's order, which rejected his bail application.

"Worked For 34 Yrs, State Wants To Play With His Life": Karnataka HC Directs Release Of Terminal Benefits For 70-Yr-Old Retired Teacher

Case Title: M.A.DHAVALESHWAR AND THE STATE OF KARNATAKA & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.100271 OF 2022

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 103

The Karnataka High Court has come to the aid of a retired school teacher who has been fighting for his pension for the last 6 years. The court has directed the State Government and Rani Channamma University to release complete Death-cum-retirement benefits and encashment of privilege leave, including arrears of pension as claimed, within four weeks.

Justice M Nagaprasanna allowed the petition filed by M.A Dhavaleshwar and said, “It is un-understandable as to why the petitioner, despite working for 34 years, has not been paid complete pension as also leave encashment and gratuity amounts. The State wants to play with the life of the petitioner.”

Raising Voice Against Public Servant Does Not Amount To Offence U/S 353 Of IPC: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Ramesh Karoshi AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 100090 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 104

The Karnataka High Court has quashed a criminal case registered against a home guard who was charged for raising his voice demanding certain documents from the hands of the complainant, a police constable.

Justice M Nagaprasanna allowed the petition filed by Ramesh Karoshi, who was charged for offences punishable under section 353, 506 of the Indian Penal Code.

It was alleged that the petitioner had raised his voice and hurled abuses against the 2nd respondent complainant. The police conducted an investigation and filed a charge sheet against the petitioner.

Karnataka High Court Quashes FIR Against Journalist Rahul Sivasankar Over Tweet On Religious Minorities Fund Allocation

Case Title: RAHUL SIVASANKAR AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT & ANR

Case No: CRL.P 2457/2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 105

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (March 17) allowed TV journalist Rahul Shivshankar's plea seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him for his tweet about the State government's allocation of funds for welfare of religious minorities.

Justice M Nagaprasanna while pronouncing the order said that the petition has been allowed and the FIR has been quashed.

On February 13, the court had reserved its judgment in Sivasankar's plea after hearing the parties. Advocate Bipin Hegde appearing for Shivshankar had then submitted, “I have not given a false statement in the tweet, what is mentioned in the budget I have stated milords.”

"Taken Birth From Womb Of Social Justice": Karnataka HC Upholds Validity Of Micro Loan & Small Loan (Prevention Of Coercive Actions) Ordinance

Case Title: Karnataka Hire Purchase Association AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 6962 of 2025.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 106

The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed seeking to declare the Karnataka Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Ordinance, 2025 as unconstitutional, arbitrary and beyond the legislative competence of the state government.

Justice M Nagaprasanna upheld the ordinance saying “The Ordinance, conceived in response to the anguished cries of the vulnerable – farmers, women, workers, marginalized groups inter alia seeks to rescue them from usurious money lenders and micro finance entities who as public knowledge and legislative record bear testament, have wielded unconscionable recovery methods, often driving the debtors from buoyancy of hope, to the abyss of despair and death.”

Karnataka HC Reprieve To Teacher Booked For Beating 6th Grader With Stick, Says No Proof Punishment Exceeded Child's Capacity To Endure

Case Title: Savitha Gowda AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 2917 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 107

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the criminal proceedings launched against a Physical Education teacher accused of beating a 6th grade school student with a stick, over alleged disobedience.

While doing so Justice Hemant Chandangoudar cited Kerala High Court's decision in Rajan @ Raju v. Sub-Inspector of Police (Crl. MC. No. 237/2018), where it was held that parents are presumed to have given consent for their child to be subject to discipline and control of school authorities, including the imposition of a reasonable degree of force and punishment on a child old enough to understand the purpose of the act.

Giving Notice To Tenant To Vacate Lease Premises Not Defamation: Karnataka High Court Quashes Case Against Senior Advocate Practising At SC

Case Title: PADMA MALINI G. RAO & ANR AND RAVI KARUMBAIAH

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION No.4241 OF 2024 C/W CRIMINAL PETITION No.4250 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 108

The Karnataka High Court has quashed defamation proceedings against a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and his wife, over a complaint filed by their tenant after they sent a notice asking him to vacate their property.

Noting that defamation requires an intention to harm the reputation of a person, Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that initiating legal proceedings against a party would not constitute defamation merely because the proceedings ended in favour of that party.

The Court stated “What would unmistakably emerge is, that dragging the complainant into litigation or the complainant dragging the petitioners into litigation on several grievances, grounds or allegations would constitute legal proceedings between the two, which would not and cannot be said to be defamatory, merely because the case has gone in favour of the complainant. It would have been altogether a different circumstance if it was a case of malicious prosecution. While defamation, has some hues of malicious prosecution, substantially it is not.”

Trial Courts Must Be Cautious While Granting Permission To IO For Invoking Charges On Organised Crime U/S 111 BNS Against Accused: Karnataka HC

Case Title: Avinash AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 893 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 109

The Karnataka High Court has said that trial courts are required to be more cautious while permitting the Investigation Officer to invoke the offence punishable under Section 111 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.

For context Section 111 of BNS pertains to Organised crime (1) Any continuing unlawful activity including kidnapping, robbery, vehicle theft, extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic offence, cyber-crimes trafficking of persons, drugs, weapons or illicit goods or services, human trafficking for prostitution or ransom, by any person or a group of persons acting in concert, singly or jointly, either as a member of an organised crime syndicate or on behalf of such syndicate, by use of violence, threat of violence, intimidation, coercion, or by any other unlawful means to obtain direct or indirect material benefit including a financial benefit, shall constitute organised crime.

Justice S Vishwajith Shetty said “Whenever such an application/requisition is filed by the Investigation Officer, the Courts are required to apply their mind and thereafter pass necessary orders. The application/requisition of the Investigation Officer seeking permission of the Court to invoke Section 111 of BNS, 2023, shall be accompanied with necessary documents/materials which would prima-facie show the necessity to invoke the offence punishable under Section 111 of BNS, 2023 and it is only after considering such material along with the application/requisition, the concerned Court can consider his request to invoke the offence punishable under Section 111 of BNS, 2023.”

Registrar Of Co-Operative Societies Can Order Inquiry Into Functioning Of Society Pending Re-Audit: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Bherya Primary Agriculture Credit Coopearative Society Ltd AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 6459 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 110

The Karnataka High Court has said that the Registrar of Cooperative Societies can order an inquiry into the functioning of a cooperative society, which cannot be interdicted by a pending re-audit under the provisions of the state Cooperative Societies Act.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj held thus while dismissing the petition filed by Bherya Primary Agriculture Credit Cooperative Society Ltd.

The society had approached the high court after the Registrar of Co-operative Societies issued a notice of inquiry under Section 64 of the Karnataka Cooperative Societies Act, on September 26, 2024, when a re-audit had already been ordered on October 25,2023.

Sowjanya Case: Karnataka High Court Permits Peaceful Protest At Freedom Park

Case Title: KARNATAKA KARMIKARA VEDIKE AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 7953/2025, WP 7957/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 111

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday (March 19) permitted the holding of a peaceful protest in relation to the 'Justice for Sowjanya Movement' at Freedom Park, Bengaluru.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, while disposing of the petitions filed by Karnataka Karmikara Vedike (R) and Native Empowering and Equipping Team For Hope And Interaction (R) said that the protest should be peaceful, failing which the authorities can take appropriate action.

Apartment Complexes With Only Residential Flats To Be Registered Under Apartment Ownership Act, Not Co-Operative Societies Act: Karnataka HC

Case Title: Saraswathi Prakash & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO.3779 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 112

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that property consisting of only residential flats, is to be registered under the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972 and there cannot be any association registered under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, to form a society to manage and maintain the property.

Justice K S Hemalekha held thus while allowing a petition filed by Saraswathi Prakash and others who are apartment owners in an Apartment complex known as “Parkside Retirement Homes Brigade Orchards Apartment Complex.

The court said “It can be safely held that the lis stands covered, that the petitioners and the members of the association are entitled to be registered under the KAO Act and that there cannot be any association registered under the Act, 1959, to form a society to manage and maintain the property comprising of only residential flats. It is also relevant to state here that the KOFA Act, 1972 and the Rules 1975, are applicable, if the property has both commercial and residential units.”

[Prevention Of Corruption Act] Preliminary Inquiry Before Obtaining Approval From Competent Authority Violates Section 17A: Karnataka HC

Case Title: S Laxmi & Other And THE ADDL. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE.

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.11933 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 113

The Karnataka High Court has held that collection of materials by the Lokayukta police before registration of FIR under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, would amount to a violation of Section 17A of the Act.

Justice M Nagaprasanna held thus while partly allowing a petition filed by S Laxmi and others who work with Pattana Panchayat, Jagalur, Davangere District, had approached the court seeking a declaration that the inquiry/investigation conducted pursuant to registration of a complaint on 20-04-2019 as null and void.

Fair Market Value Of Shares Determined By Statutory Methods Can't Be Rejected By Income Tax Department: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: The PR. Commissioner of Income Tax v. Waterline Hotels Pvt. Ltd.

Case Number: INCOME TAX APPEAL NO. 425 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 114

The Karnataka High Court stated that fair market value of shares determined by statutory methods can't be rejected by the income tax department.

The Division Bench of Justices Krishna S Dixit and Ramachandra D. Huddar was addressing a case where the revenue has challenged the order passed by the Tribunal where the Tribunal held that the valuation report on DCF Method produced during assessment proceedings was a valid report justifying valuation of shares.

Assessees Claim For ITC Cannot Be Denied For Being Disadvantageous To State Exchequer: Karnataka HC Clarifies Principles On Input Tax Credit Claims

Case Title: The State Of Karnataka v. Tractor And Farm Equipment Limited

Case Number: STRP NO.26 OF 2023

CItation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 115

The Karnataka High Court while laying down vital guidelines on Input Tax Credit stated that if the Assessee during the course of reassessment proceedings makes a claim for Input Tax Credit, the same cannot be disallowed only on the ground that the claim of the Assessee is disadvantageous to the State Exchequer.

The Division Bench of Justices Krishna S Dixit and G. Basavaraja observed that ordinarily, the claim for Input Tax Credit has to be made in the Return or Revised Return only. A claim otherwise is an exception and bona fide of the same has to be demonstrated.

Leave Encashment Is A Constitutional Property Right; It Cannot Be Denied Without Specific Statutory Authority: Karnataka HC

Case Title: G. Linganagouda v. General Manager, Karnataka Gramina Bank

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO.100339 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 116

Karnataka High Court: A single judge bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna declared that an employee dismissed from service is entitled to leave encashment, as it constitutes a property right under Article 300A of the Constitution. The court held that the Karnataka Gramina Bank refusing to pay leave encashment to a dismissed employee was illegal. It emphasized that once earned, terminal benefits including leave encashment become the employee's property. Thus, they cannot be withheld arbitrarily. Accordingly, the court allowed the writ petition and directed the bank to encash the petitioner's privilege leave.

Courts Must Exercise Caution While Granting Pre-Arrest Bail In Cyber Economic Crimes, Interrogation Is Needed To Gather Info: Karnataka HC

Case Title: Prabhat Sharma And State of Karnataka

Case No: CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 695 OF 2025 C/W CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 698 OF 2025.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 117

The Karnataka High Court has recently said that courts must exercise caution when granting anticipatory bail, especially in cyber economic crimes underscoring that custodial interrogation is needed in such technical cases to collect useful information.

Justice Mohammad Nawaz made the observation while dismissing a petition filed by Prabhat Sharma and Akash Patil seeking anticipatory bail. The two are accused of data theft including proprietary software and designs for high-altitude drones developed by a private company which are used by Indian defence forces for border security.

The bench said, “Courts must exercise caution when granting anticipatory bail, specially in cyber economic crimes. Custodial interrogation is necessary, due to the technical nature of the crime and to reveal the full extent of data theft and its concealment methods. The petitioner's actions show their ability and willingness to destroy and tamper with evidence. Granting anticipatory bail could jeopardize investigation and may frustrate the investigating agency in interrogating the accused and collecting useful information and may weaken the ability of law enforcement agencies to combat sophisticated cyber crimes.”

After Karnataka HC Nudge, Tumakuru Advocates Association To Reserve One Treasurer, Two Executive Committee Member Posts For Women

Case Title: Mohanakumar K R & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 8186/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 118

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (24 March) directed the Tumakuru District Advocates Association to create one post of Treasurer and two posts for Executive Committee Members for women, in view of the submission by the Association that it would reserve the said posts for women in the upcoming elections.

Justice M Nagaprasanna took on record a submission made by the counsel for the Association that 1 post of Treasurer and 2 posts for Executive Committee Members would be notified before the ensuing elections. The counsel also said that the Association would consider amending bye-laws after the elections to provide necessary reservations for women.

Karnataka HC Directs State To Design Common Portal To Oversee Compliances, Collect Data Under Co-operative Societies Act & Rules

Case Title: M R Rukmangadha & Others AND State of Karnataka & others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 2246 OF 2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 119

The Karnataka High Court has directed the state Co-operative Department's Principal Secretary, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Principal Secretary of e-Governance Department to implement an IT system to verify and facilitate compliance of all requirements under the state Cooperative Societies Act and the Rules framed therein.

It has further called for the creation of a "common portal" where all Co-operative Societies registered in the state can upload their compliances, and wherein the portal can gather as well as collate all data required under the Co-operative Societies Act and the Rules.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj said “I am of the considered opinion that it is high time for the Principal Secretary Co-operative Department, the Registrar Cooperative Societies and the Principal Secretary e-Governance Department to implement an Information Technology System to verify and facilitate the compliance with all the requirement of the Act and the Rules.”

Purchaser Of Residential Property Liable To Pay GST If Property Booked Before Construction Is Completed: Karnataka HC

Case Title: B G Parmeshwara AND Bangalore Development Authority & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION No.51001 OF 2019 (BDA) C/W WRIT PETITION No.7028 OF 2022

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 120

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that if the transaction of booking a residential house is entered into before the completion of construction and the consideration was paid (partly or fully) before issuance of completion certificate, the same would amount to supply of services requiring payment of the service tax (GST) by the purchaser.

Justice M G S Kamal recently dismissed a batch of petitions filed by B g Parmeshwara and others which had challenged the endorsement issued by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) calling upon the petitioners to pay amount towards the service Tax (GST) under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, before registration of the apartment.

Karnataka High Court Orders Probe & Action Against Trial Judge Who Cited Non-Existing SC Judgments

Case Title: SAMMAAN CAPITAL LIMITED AND MANTRI INFRASTRUCTURE PVT LTD & Others

Case No: CRP 49/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 121

The Karnataka High Court has directed to conduct a probe and take appropriate action against a trial court judge who relied on non-existing judgments on the records of the respective courts to pass an order rejecting the application filed for the return of plaint.

Justice R Devdas said, “What is more disturbing is the fact that the learned judge of City Civil Court has cited two decisions which were never decided by the Apex Court or any other Court. The learned Senior Counsel appearing for the plaintiffs has clearly stated that such decisions were not cited by the learned counsel for the plaintiffs. This act on the part of the learned judge would require further probe and appropriate action in accordance with law.”

Election Candidates Should Disclose Challenge To Their Caste, Education Certificates: Karnataka High Court Suggests

Case Title: Prabhu Chavan AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 203394 OF 2023

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 122

The Karnataka High Court has said that candidates contesting elections must declare if any challenge is made to their caste, education or other certificates, which can be considered by election authorities and can come to the public's knowledge as well as other candidates who may object to it if they want.

Issuing certain general directions Justice Suraj Govindaraj in his order said: "In this regard, I am of the considered opinion that the candidate while making a declaration would also have to make a declaration as regards any challenge made to any certificate of his, be it caste, education or the like. So the same could be considered by the election authorities, as also come to the knowledge of the general populace and other candidates to take any objection if they desire to do so. Thus, I am of the opinion that the Law Commission would have to look into this aspect insofar as elections which are conducted under the provisions of the Right to Representation Act 1951".

MSME Council Cannot Pass Award On Account Of Failure Of Conciliation Proceedings, Has To Refer Matter To Arbitration: Karnataka HC

Case Title: M/S ENMAS GB POWER SYSTEMS PROJECTS LTD AND MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES FACILITATION COUNCIL & ANR

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 29610 OF 2017

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 123

The Karnataka High Court has held that the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council cannot pass an award on account of conciliation having failed without referring the matter to arbitration.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj held thus while allowing the petition filed by M/s Enmas GB Power Systems Projects Ltd. It said, “The matter is remitted to the Karnataka Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council, to formally terminate the conciliation proceedings and thereafter take a decision whether it intends to conduct the arbitration proceedings by itself or refer the matter for arbitration to be held by an institution.”

[PMLA] ED Can Summon Persons Not Named As Accused In Schedule Offence If Schedule Offence Is Pending: Karnataka HC

Case Title: R M Manjunath Gowda AND Directorate of Enforcement

Case No: WA NO. 497 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 124

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that for issuance of summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the person need not be an accused in the schedule (predicate) offence if it is pending.

Justice V Kameshwar Rao and S Rachaiah held thus while dismissing an appeal filed by R M Manjunath Gowda, former Chairman of Shivamogga DCC Bank, challenging a single judge order which had dismissed its petition seeking to quash the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate.

Whether Rights In Favor Of Third Party Are Created In Property Which Is Subject Matter Of Arbitration Cannot Be Decided Under Writ Jurisdiction: Karnataka HC

Case Title: Mr. Ramu Nagabathini Versus Developer Group India Private Limited

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 15658 Of 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 125

The Karnataka High Court bench of Mr Justice Krishna S Dixit and Mr Justice Ramachandra D. Huddar has held that whether rights in favor of a third party based on sale deeds have been created in the property, which is the subject matter of arbitration, cannot be decided by the court under writ jurisdiction.

Inflating Contract Figures & Complaining That Tax Authorities Based Decision On Such Figures Amounts To Defrauding State In Two Ways: Karnataka HC

Case Title: M/s Yellalinga Electricals v. The Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes

Case Number: SALES TAX APPEAL NO. 1 OF 2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 126

The Karnataka High Court stated that inflating contract figures and complaining that tax authorities have premised their decision on such figures, amounts to defrauding state.

“Claiming higher contract amount by inflated figures and thereafter complaining that the Tax authorities have premised their decision on such figures, virtually amounts to defrauding the State, in two-ways. Such an assessee does not deserve any relief at the hands of this Court,” stated the Division Bench of Justices Krishna S Dixit and Ramachandra D. Huddar.