In a decision that has drawn intense political scrutiny, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has moved to withdraw 62 criminal cases, many of which involve its political supporters, individuals linked to communal unrest, and activists aligned with Ambedkarite ideologies.
On 4 September 2025, the state formally cleared the withdrawal of cases tied to the 2019 Chittapur stone-pelting episode as well as protests that erupted following the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. In addition, cases connected to disturbances during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and recent demonstrations in Shivamogga have also been dropped.
This latest wave of case withdrawals has stirred controversy, particularly because the move reportedly ignored strong objections from the Home Department, senior police officials, and legal advisors. Despite concerns raised by the Director General of Police, the Director of Prosecutions, and the Law Department who collectively advised that these cases lacked merit for withdrawal and did not serve public interest, the government went ahead with its decision.
One particularly contentious withdrawal involves a 2019 case in Chittapur where a group of young men allegedly pelted stones at police officers after a tip-off from Hindu activists about illegal cattle transport. The request to drop this case reportedly came from IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge. Similarly, the government has dismissed charges against supporters of D.K. Shivakumar who were accused of damaging public property, including buses and government offices, in Kanakapura during protests over his 2019 arrest. In another instance, cases against those backing Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh, were also scrapped. These pertained to a 2012 protest where Suresh’s supporters surrounded the then-Chief Minister over being excluded from a ceremonial event honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The pattern of leniency continues with cases dropped against those involved in disruptions during Ganesh Chaturthi processions in various districts such as Ramanagara and Koppal. In some of these incidents, participants were accused of misconduct towards law enforcement officers or violating event regulations, including organizing prohibited activities like ram fights. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra is believed to have advocated for these withdrawals.
Further, the government has erased records related to four cases from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, linked to 2023 protests over the BJP government’s decision on internal reservations for Scheduled Caste communities. In total, three petitions filed by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and government Chief Whip Ashok Pattan led to additional case dismissals.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed the action, stating that the administration has annulled around 60 government-initiated cases, including those against farmers, student protestors, and Kannada activists, across multiple police jurisdictions.
This is not the first instance of the Congress administration facing backlash for similar decisions. Back in October 2024, the Siddaramaiah-led government attempted to revoke charges against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders and others involved in the 2022 Hubballi riots. The incident had seen a large group allegedly mobilized by Muslim leaders attacking the Old Hubballi police station, pelting stones at officers and damaging nearby properties, including a temple and a hospital. The proposed withdrawal was eventually overturned by the Karnataka High Court after a PIL was filed by advocate Girish Bhardwaj.
Despite repeated objections from legal and law enforcement authorities, the Congress government has persisted in dropping cases, many of which involve individuals aligned with or supportive of the party. This has prompted fierce criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of politicizing justice and undermining law and order for electoral gain.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.