The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday granted an interim stay on the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator D N Jeevaraja in connection with the alleged tampering of postal ballots during the recounting process for the Sringeri Assembly constituency.
Background of the Case
The FIR was lodged on May 3, 2026, based on a complaint alleging that postal ballots were tampered with after the counting process concluded on May 13, 2023. The BJP MLA challenged the FIR, contending that the allegations were baseless and politically motivated.
Court's Intervention
Justice K S Mudagal, presiding over the case, issued the stay order after hearing arguments from Jeevaraja's counsel. The court observed that the complaint appeared to be filed with malafide intentions and that no prima facie case was made out against the petitioner.
The High Court also directed the state government not to take any coercive steps against the MLA until the next hearing, scheduled for June 15, 2026.
Political Implications
The Sringeri constituency has been a flashpoint between the BJP and opposition parties, with multiple allegations of electoral irregularities. Jeevaraja, who represents the constituency, has maintained his innocence and accused rivals of using the FIR to tarnish his reputation.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions in Karnataka, with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations over electoral malpractices.
Legal Recourse
Jeevaraja's petition argued that the FIR was an attempt to harass him and that the allegations lacked evidence. The court's stay provides temporary relief to the MLA, who is expected to seek quashing of the FIR in subsequent hearings.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of postal ballot security in Karnataka, with experts calling for stricter protocols to prevent misuse.
