Karnataka HC quashes 'voter bribery' case against BJP MLA Shashikala Jolle

In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday quashed the 'voter bribery' case against BJP MLA and former Minister Shashikala Jolle related to the 2023 State Assembly election.

Jolle was charged under sections 171(E) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951. However, Justice Krishna S Dixit, while delivering the verdict, observed that the allegations did not meet the criteria for bribery under section 171(E) of the IPC.

Justice Dixit highlighted that for an act to be considered bribery, there must be a minimum of two parties involved: one who offers or gives gratification and another who accepts it. He emphasized that merely possessing money suspected to be used for electoral offences did not qualify as bribery.

The court further noted that the allegations failed to meet the requirements laid out in Section 123(5) of the Representation of People Act, which is essential for invoking Section 133.

Consequently, Justice Dixit concluded that the allegations against Jolle did not disclose the commission of any offence. He criticized the order passed by the learned Magistrate, stating that it lacked both reasoning and application of mind.

The case had its origins in an incident involving Yuvaraj Donawade, who was found in possession of Rs 10,000 in cash, voters' lists, and handbills bearing the lotus symbol and photos of Jolle. Allegations were made that Donawade was attempting to lure voters while campaigning for Jolle.