Karnataka High Court Rules Special Courts Can Try Offences Before Becoming Legislator

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that special courts constituted for sitting and former lawmakers have jurisdiction over criminal cases, regardless of when the alleged offences occurred. Justice M. Nagaprasanna noted that the core objective is to ensure the expeditious disposal of legal proceedings involving people's representatives. The ruling came as the court allowed a petition filed by former MLC B.M. Farooq, who had challenged criminal proceedings pending before a civil judge and JMFC in Tumakuru district. The case involves allegations including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.