Karnataka High Court Dismisses Case Against CM Shivakumar Over Alleged Morphed Image Controversy

The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, dismissing a criminal case against him related to the alleged sharing of a morphed image of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protest. The decision, announced on Friday, has put an end to the legal proceedings initiated against him concerning the incident that took place in January 2024.

The case originated from a protest organized by BJP leaders, who were demonstrating against the arrest of an individual associated with the agitation regarding the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. During the protest, which captured considerable public attention, party members held placards with the provocative slogan, “I’m also a Kar Sevak, arrest me too.” This display was intended to draw attention to perceived injustices surrounding the 1992 incident.

However, the situation escalated when it was alleged by the BJP’s legal unit chief that the Congress party’s publicity team had manipulated the text on these placards. According to the complaint, the edited photograph made it seem as if BJP leaders were confessing to involvement in various scandals and irregularities, leading to claims that the post incited enmity between different community groups.

Shivakumar, who served as Karnataka’s deputy chief minister and state congress president at the time of the incident, was accused of circulating the allegedly doctored image on social media. The complaint asserted that this action constituted the use of a false document and aimed to foster discord among communities.

In his defense, Shivakumar’s legal counsel argued against the charges, emphasizing that there was no evidence of intent to promote enmity or hatred. The court ultimately agreed with the arguments presented in Shivakumar’s petition, leading to the quashing of the case. This ruling highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka, especially in light of the state’s nuanced political landscape.

Source: scroll.in