Karnataka High Court orders to continue probe against S M Krishna in mining scam

Bangalore, Jan 20 (ANI): The Karnataka High Court today disposed an appeal filed by Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna challenging his name being figured in the illegal mining scam case.

Passing the verdict, the High Court judges ordered that the probe into Krishna's role in the illegal mining case when he was the Chief Minister of the state must continue.

Advocate Sandeep Patil, counsel for Krishna, briefed the media about the judges ruling said the decision of the then cabinet headed by his client needs to be analysed in detail.

"It has quashed the complaint as well as the reference order under 156 (3) and so far as it pertains to the allegations relating to the irregularities in the Mysore Minerals Ltd but however in respect of the de-reservation policy, the cabinet decision and the fallouts of it are to be looked into the further investigation," said Patil.

The Karnataka's Lokayukta had registered an FIR against Krishna and two other former chief ministers, after it was discovered that the three had direct and indirect involvement in the illegal mining that has been rampant in the state.

It has been alleged that Krishna, who was Karnataka's chief minister from 1999 to 2004, and his successors Dharam Singh and H. D. Kumaraswamy, were involved in such illegal activities till 2008.

Meanwhile, Krishna refused to comment on the High Court's verdict by saying he is not fully aware of the judgment.

"Well, unless I see the full text of the judgment, I think I would not be in a position to make any comment about that," said Krishna.

According to sources, Krishna is likely to knock the Supreme Court doors, challenging the High Court's ruling.

The decision came at the time when country's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has been demanding Krishna's ouster from the Union cabinet after his name figured in the scam.

A few months ago, former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde had accused the then Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa and several other key officials in the mining graft that cost the state exchequer losses worth Rupees 160 billion between 2006 and 2010.

As a result of which, Yeddyurappa had to relinquish the seat of chief minister. (ANI)