High Court Revives Dharmasthala Investigation
The Karnataka High Court has made a significant decision regarding the controversial Dharmasthala case, lifting the previously imposed stay on the investigation. In a crucial development on 12 November 2025, the court cleared the path for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to continue its probe while issuing specific directives to protect the rights of activists involved in the matter.
SIT Presents Strong Evidence
The Special Investigation Team strongly opposed the plea to quash the entire case, presenting compelling arguments before the court. The SIT maintained that their inquiry had uncovered substantial evidence that justifies and necessitates further investigation into the matter. The investigative body emphasized that the evidence gathered so far provides sufficient grounds to continue with the thorough examination of the case.
During the court proceedings, the SIT lawyers elaborated on the nature of the evidence discovered, though specific details remain confidential as the investigation continues. The team's firm stance against dismissing the case demonstrated their confidence in the evidence collected and their commitment to pursuing justice through proper legal channels.
Court's Directive Against Harassment
While allowing the investigation to proceed, the Karnataka High Court issued clear instructions regarding the treatment of activists involved in the case. The bench specifically directed the SIT to ensure that activists are not harassed during the course of the investigation. This balanced approach aims to protect the rights of individuals while allowing law enforcement agencies to perform their duties effectively.
The court's intervention comes as a relief to activists and concerned parties who had expressed apprehension about potential misuse of investigative powers. The directive establishes safeguards that prevent any unnecessary pressure or intimidation tactics against those connected to the case.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Dharmasthala case. The removal of the stay order enables the SIT to:
- Continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews
- Pursue leads that emerged during their initial investigation
- Build a comprehensive case based on their findings
The court's decision represents a middle ground between allowing a thorough investigation and protecting individual rights. Legal experts suggest that this balanced approach could set a precedent for similar cases where activist involvement and investigative procedures intersect.
As the SIT resumes its investigative activities under the court's supervision, all parties await further developments in this closely watched case. The next hearing date will determine the trajectory of the investigation and potentially reveal more details about the evidence that convinced the court to lift the stay.
