Thu Mar 27 16:27:44 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Governor Delays Prosecution of Union Minister and BJP Leader

**Bengaluru, March 27, 2025** – Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has stalled the prosecution of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy and former mining baron G. Janaradhan Reddy, returning files seeking sanction for their prosecution for a second time.

The Governor initially returned the files in August 2024, requesting English translations of the voluminous chargesheets. While these translations were provided in January 2025, the files were returned again this week with further queries.

In Mr. Kumaraswamy’s case, the Governor has highlighted three Supreme Court orders, seeking clarification on their applicability to the case against the former Chief Minister, who stands accused of violating mining norms while in office. Government officials are seeking legal advice before responding.

Regarding Mr. Reddy, the Governor has requested the earlier “B Report” and related documents from the Lokayukta police, which will be translated and resubmitted. This follows a Lokayukta Court order for reinvestigation after the initial “B Report” was rejected.

This development comes after the Governor approved the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a separate case and faced pressure from the State Cabinet to act on other pending petitions. The delays in prosecuting Mr. Kumaraswamy and Mr. Reddy have raised eyebrows, particularly given the timing relative to the Siddaramaiah case.

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