THE STATE OF KARNATAKA Vs. LINGANAGOUDA ETC.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) We have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record.

(3.) The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, filed a complaint dated 30.05.2014 addressed to Police Inspector, Karnataka Lokyukta Police Station, making allegations of illegal mining by certain private persons in collusion with the public servants. When the said allegation was being investigated, the respondents filed a petition before the High Court under section 482 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 challenging the proceedings on the ground that the cognizance of the offence under section 22 of the Mines And Minerals (Development And Regulation) Act, 1957 can be taken only on a complaint of a specifically authorized person. This plea has been upheld by the High Court and proceedings quashed.