B C SHANTAPPA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned High Court Government Pleader and perused the petition and its annexures.

(2.) The main allegation against this petitioner in the complaint is that this petitioner along with other accused persons with an intention to cheat and cause the loss and appropriate the said money for themselves have released the sum of Rs.6,81,47,594/- (Six Crore Eighty One Lakh Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety Four Only) to the supplier without following the tender procedures as per the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999 and other rules and regulations of the University and thereby they have caused the loss to the exchequer of the University.

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioner in his arguments, contends that the petitioner is innocent of the offence alleged against him and the complaint against this petitioner is not specific and prima facie do not indicate any criminal intent. The petitioner is renowned educationist and distinguished scholar, having teaching experience of over 25 years and has alumni spread across the globe. The main allegation made in the complaint is only to non-compliance with the terms of the contract between the University and the supplier of the equipments and same is of purely civil in nature. There is absolutely no chance of fleeing from justice or absconding or misusing his liberty in any manner.