Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed criminal proceedings against BJP MP K Sudhakar in connection with the seizure of Rs 4.8 crore in Madavara village a day before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The full judgment by a bench headed by Justice M I Arun is yet to be released.
Background of the case
The case arose when a static surveillance team member, Dasharath Kumbar, filed a complaint stating that on April 25, he received a message from Model Code of Conduct officer Munish Moudgil claiming that Rs 10 crore had been kept at a particular location for potential distribution to voters. During an Election Commission raid at a resident’s home in Madavara village, along with Income Tax officers, authorities recovered Rs 4.8 crore in cash.
Moudgil also filed a complaint alleging that he had received three messages and a WhatsApp call from a number purportedly belonging to Sudhakar, requesting the release of the seized cash. Following these complaints, the Madanayakanahalli police registered a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 171B, 171C, 171E, and 171F, along with Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, which deals with corrupt practices during elections.
Legal proceedings
Sudhakar approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the proceedings before the special court for MPs and MLAs, arguing that he had been falsely implicated and that the allegations of bribery against him were unsubstantiated. On June 30, 2025, the High Court bench of Justice S R Krishna Kumar had stayed the proceedings. On Tuesday, the bench led by Justice M I Arun dismissed the case, quashing all criminal proceedings against the BJP MP.
Political context
K Sudhakar, who served as the Minister of Medical Education and Health in the BJP government in Karnataka between 2020 and 2023, won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Chikaballapur, defeating Congress candidate Raksha Ramaiah. His election followed a defeat in the 2023 Assembly polls from the same constituency against Congress candidate Pradeep Eshwar.
The quashing of proceedings comes as a relief to Sudhakar, who had faced significant scrutiny over the alleged seizure of cash ahead of the general elections. The court’s decision effectively removes any legal impediment arising from this high-profile case, allowing him to focus on his parliamentary duties.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to quash criminal proceedings against K Sudhakar highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring that allegations against elected representatives are substantiated before continuing with legal action. This case also underscores the intense scrutiny politicians face during election periods and the importance of due process in handling such sensitive matters.