HC reserves verdict in Ashoka case

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday reserved its verdict with regard to the criminal petition filed by home minister R Ashoka, challenging the special Lokayukta court taking cognizance of a private complaint lodged against him relating to denotification of BDA land.
Justice K N Keshavanarayana, who heard the arguments of the counsel representing Ashoka and complainant M Manjunath, reserved his verdict.
The minister had contended that there is no sanction against his prosecution, as required under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. However, counsel for the complainant contended that the petition filed by the minister was premature, as the trial court had not even numbered the case or issued summons to him.
Ashoka had challenged the March 1, 2011, order of the special court, taking cognizance of the complaint lodged by RTI activist M Manjunath. Ashoka had claimed that there is no valid sanction to proceed against him.
Complainant M Manjunath alleged that Ashoka "illegally denotified" 23 guntas of land in Lottegollahalli, which was earlier acquired by Bangalore Development Authority for formation of Raj Mahal Vilas Layout, and registered the same in his favour.
On March 24, the special court had directed Lokayukta police to investigate and report by May 4.
TOILETS IN SCHOOLS BY DEC 31
The state government on Monday informed the high court that all pre-primary, primary and secondary schools in the state will be provided with the basic facilities of drinking water and toilets.
The government advocate gave this information after instructions from the under secretary of the education department. The division bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar adjourned the hearing of the case to January 2012.
As per government figures, there are no toilets in 3,685 pre-primary and 1,787 primary schools. There are no toilets for girls in 11,013 pre-primary and 5,119 primary schools and no toilets in 2,500 secondary schools.
In addition, 4,048 pre-primary, 1,371 primary and 1,100 secondary schools have no drinking water facility.
City advocate A V Amarnathan has filed a PIL highlighting the bad condition of government schools in the state, including some which are close to the seat of power in Bangalore city.