Court Delays Decision on BJP MLA Munirathna's Bail Plea

The Special Court for MLAs/MPs has postponed its decision on the bail plea of BJP MLA N Munirathna, held on charges including casteist slurs and criminal intimidation. Arguments were presented by both sides, and forensic tests are ongoing to verify an audio clip allegedly featuring Munirathna's voice.

The Special Court for MLAs/MPs has deferred the ruling on the bail plea of BJP MLA N Munirathna until Thursday.

Surya Mukundaraj, representing the complainant, argued that granting bail could lead to evidence tampering, especially considering the incident took place at the legislators' office. He urged the court to deny bail.

Senior Counsel Ashok Harnalli, defending Munirathna, countered that the charges lacked specifics and argued that the complaint should have been issued under Section 41A of CrPC. He maintained that the charges against Munirathna were not applicable and bail should be granted.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its ruling.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that if forensic tests confirm Munirathna's voice in the audio clip, which allegedly contains casteist slurs, the government will take action.

The voice sample is being analyzed at the Forensic Science Laboratory.

Munirathna was arrested on multiple charges, including casteist slurs and criminal intimidation. The arrest came after an audio recording allegedly featuring his voice was released by one of the complainants, contractor Cheluvaraju.

(With inputs from agencies.)