Bengaluru court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman
A FIR has been directed by a Bengaluru court against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for alleged extortion using abolished electoral bonds.
Adarsh Iyer from the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane filed a complaint against Nirmala Sitharaman and others, accusing them of conducting extortion using electoral bonds.
Afterward, the Special Court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru has instructed for an FIR to be lodged regarding the issue. Police have filed an FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman and additional individuals.
The Supreme Court declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional in February, stating it infringed on citizens’ right to information. The program, launched by the Centre in 2018, aimed to enhance transparency in political funding by substituting cash donations to parties.
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Siddaramaiah demands Nirmala Sitharaman’s resignation
In response to the situation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called for Nirmala Sitharaman to step down and insisted on a report being provided within three months.
Section 17A offers extra safeguard to public officials against baseless investigations. The rule requires that a police officer must obtain permission from a competent authority before investigating any alleged offense committed by a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Siddaramaiah will also face investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged irregularities in the MUDA case.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah called for the resignation of JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, alleging corruption.
