Karnataka High Court Quashes FIRs Against Ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai For Comment On Waqf Properties

The Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed two criminal cases registered against former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accusing him of making objectionable statements during a protest rally held to condemn the actions of Waqf Board and State Government in allegedly grabbing the properties of farmers and temples.

Justice S R Krishna Kumar allowed the petition filed by Bommai and quashed the proceedings initiated under sections 196(1)(a) of the BNS by the Shiggaon police station.

Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi appearing for Bommai argued that the complaints do not attract the ingredients of Section 196(1)(a) [Promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, etc.] of BNS.

Additional Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha opposed the plea submitting that the video recording of the alleged incident prima facie makes out an offence against Bommai.

The bench on going through the complaint and relying on the Apex court and High Court judgments said, “If the impugned complaint and FIR is perused keeping in mind the principles elucidated it is clear that— except stating that wherever a stone is thrown, Waqf property is to be found— Apart from that there are no allegations to attract the offence.”

It held “In light of the vague, bald, omnibus allegations made in the impugned complaint in relation to offence punishable under Section 196 (1) (a). I am of the view that continuation of the proceedings qua the petitioner would amount to abuse of process of law thus warranting interference. Allowed and quashed.”

It clarified that the order is restricted to only Bommai and will not apply to other persons named as accused in the case.

Appearance: Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi for Petitioner.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 217

Case Title: Basvaraj Bommai AND State of Karnataka

Case No: Criminal Petition No 12164/2024 & Criminal Petition No 12183/2024