SC Declines Extension for Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni’s Surrender in BJP Leader Murder Case
- ByAdmin --
- 16 Jun 2025 --
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The Supreme Court has refused to grant additional time to Karnataka Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to surrender in connection with the murder case of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda. The Court upheld its earlier directive, rejecting the plea for extension and stressing the need for timely compliance with judicial orders.
Background
The case traces back to the murder of BJP Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda in Dharwad in 2016. Kulkarni, along with several others, was named in the chargesheet for conspiracy and direct involvement in the crime. The matter has since been under investigation, with the CBI taking over the probe.
Earlier, Kulkarni had been granted bail on the condition that he would not attempt to interfere with the case or influence witnesses. However, recent developments revealed that there had been alleged attempts to tamper with witnesses, prompting the Supreme Court to cancel his bail and direct him to surrender within a fixed time frame.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
Hearing Kulkarni’s plea for a one-week extension to surrender, citing his official responsibilities as an MLA and his position as the chairman of a state board, the Supreme Court dismissed the request outright. The bench noted that compliance with judicial orders is not optional, regardless of one’s political or administrative position.
The judges emphasized that allowing extensions in such serious cases would set a bad precedent, especially where allegations involve attempts to obstruct justice.
Legal Framework Involved
- Section 302 of IPC (Punishment for murder): Central to the case due to the alleged killing.
- Section 120B of IPC (Criminal conspiracy): Applied for planning and coordinating the act.
- Section 439(2) of CrPC (Cancellation of bail): Invoked when conditions of bail are violated or if fresh circumstances arise that affect the fairness of the trial.
The court’s firm stance was driven by evidence suggesting that Kulkarni had attempted to influence witnesses through intermediaries. This led to the withdrawal of his bail and the requirement for immediate judicial custody.
Key Highlights from the Judgment
- The Court refused to entertain political duties as a reason to delay surrender.
- Judicial integrity and compliance were deemed paramount over administrative convenience.
- Allegations of tampering with witnesses were taken seriously and contributed to the bail cancellation.
- The Court reminded that the law treats every individual equally, and holding a public office does not entitle one to bypass legal obligations.
Impact and Implications
- For the ongoing case: Kulkarni must now comply with the surrender deadline as per the Supreme Court’s original directive. The trial court has also been instructed to proceed with the case promptly and without bias.
- For public officials: This decision reinforces the principle that holding political office does not grant immunity from criminal proceedings or court-mandated actions.
- For the legal system: It sets a strong example that judicial orders must be followed strictly, and any violation or attempt to obstruct justice will be met with firm consequences.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s refusal to extend the surrender deadline for Vinay Kulkarni sends a clear message that the judiciary will not compromise on accountability and procedural discipline. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair trial remain the Court’s top priorities—regardless of political influence or public standing.
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