Bengaluru: In a significant relief for BJP MP Dr. K Sudhakar, the Karnataka High Court has quashed a criminal case registered against him in connection with a WhatsApp message sent to an IAS officer after the seizure of ₹4.8 crore in cash ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Justice M I Arun, while delivering the verdict in Writ Petition No. 18910/2025, observed that the allegations made in the FIR, complaint, and charge sheet did not satisfy the essential ingredients of the offences under Sections 171B (bribery), 171C (undue influence at elections), and 511 (attempt to commit an offence) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
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Background: Cash Seizure and WhatsApp Message
The case stemmed from an Income Tax raid on the residence of one Govindappa, a co-accused, in Chikkaballapura constituency, during which officials from the Election Commission’s flying squad recovered ₹4.8 crore in cash—just a day before polling in April 2024. At the time, Dr. Sudhakar was the BJP candidate from the Chikkaballapura Lok Sabha seat.
Following the seizure, Sudhakar allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to an IAS officer (referred to as CW2) stating:
“Madhavara Govindappa IT Team”
“Pls help I will be very grateful to you. Regards.”
On this basis, a case was registered, and a magistrate took cognizance, issuing summons to both Sudhakar and Govindappa.
Court’s Reasoning and Observations
The High Court noted that there were no further allegations or evidence suggesting that the ₹4.8 crore was linked to Dr. Sudhakar or intended for bribing voters or influencing the election.
“Even if the allegations made against the petitioner are held to be true, they do not satisfy the ingredients of Sections 171B, 171C, and 511 of IPC,” the court stated.
Further, the Government Advocate informed the court that aside from the WhatsApp message, no other statement or evidence exists from the IAS officer implicating Dr. Sudhakar.
Legal Representation and Outcome
Dr. Sudhakar was represented by Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi and Advocate Sanjeevini Prabhuling Navadgi. The State of Karnataka was represented by HCGP Thejesh. The case has been cited as 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 327.
In conclusion, the High Court allowed the petition filed by Dr. Sudhakar and quashed all proceedings against him, marking a major legal victory for the BJP MP and clearing the air around the incident.
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