Karnataka HC Stays Proceedings In Case Over Alleged Irregularities In Smart Meter Procurement By State Energy Minister, BESCOM Officials

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday, by way of an interim order, stayed further proceedings before a trial court, initiated on a private complaint filed by BJP leaders against State Energy Minister KJ George and BESCOM officials, alleging irregularities in the issuance of tender in regards to procurement and installation of smart electric meters in the state.

Justice M I Arun issued notice to the respondents and posted the two petitions for hearing on August 20. It said, “There shall be a stay of further proceedings before the trial court, till the next date of hearing.”

The petitioners have sought to quash the private complaint dated 17.07.2025, registered for offence under sections 314, 316 and 61 of the BNS, 2023 and Section.13(1)(a) and 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further quash the order dated July 23, passed by the court invoking powers u/s. 175(4) of the BNSS, wherein the court directed the superintendent of police, Lokayuktha to file his report on or before the next date of hearing.

Senior Advocate C V Nagesh, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the persons who are labelled as accused in the case are public servants, including the Minister. They enjoy protection at two stages: when prosecution is initiated, when cognisance is taken. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, a public servant enjoys protection under Section 17A of the Act.

He also argued that “The impugned order cannot be passed at all. A report from the officer superior in rank against whom the allegations is made is required to be called for. No report is called from my superior officer, he (trial court) calls it from the police.”

It was said, “Here the trial court has passed an order directing Lokayukta police to submit a report which is not permissible.”

Senior Advocate Lakshmy Iyengar for the respondents complainants---Dr. Ashwathnarayan C N & others argued that after the police officer gives the report to the magistrate, he would call for a report from superior officers. All that is done is called for a report asking what is done on the complaint made to the Lokayukta.

Pointing to the powers of the Magistrate to call for a report, she argued that Section 175 (3) and Section 175 (4) of the BNSS are not exclusive to each other.

Three BJP MLAs— C. N. Ashwath Narayan, S.R. Vishwanath and Dheeraj Muniraj had in April lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta police. Following this, they filed the private complaint before the special court, which passed the impugned order.

Case Title: KJ George AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: Criminal Petition 11573/2025

Appearance: Senior Advocate CV Nagesh for Advocate Shathabish Shivanna for Petitioners.

Senior Advocate Lakshmy Iyengar for Respondents 2 to 4.