New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to grant a week to Karnataka MLA and former Minister Vinay Kulkarni to place certain documents on record in response to the state government’s plea seeking cancellation of his bail in the murder case of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma allowed Kulkarni’s counsels only one day to submit the documents, stating, “It shall be open for the respondents to place on record any document either during the course of the day or hand over the same during the course of the hearing tomorrow.”
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Kulkarni, had sought a week, citing the absence of certain documents on record that were before the trial court and arguing that the matter concerns his client’s Article 21 rights (Fundamental Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
He also referred to a related case involving other co-accused where the High Court has reserved orders on bail cancellation.
“We have not got any time in this. The other accused, whose cancellation is sought, the matter is reserved by the High Court... let that order also come. I’m not saying give me 4-6 weeks. Give me whatever reasonable time... if I don't get even a day to file a document... have it next week,” he urged.
Opposing the request, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the State of Karnataka, pointed to Kulkarni’s previous conduct to argue against any further accommodation.
Rejecting the extension plea, Justice Karol remarked, “We are going to be very, very unreasonable and harsh on you. We are adjourning the matter by one day.” The Court accordingly listed the matter for hearing tomorrow.
During the proceedings, the bench also took exception to the conduct of a counsel appearing for Kulkarni, who had sought accommodation the previous day, claiming he was on vacation and did not have his black coat, despite appearing before the Court wearing one. On being questioned, the counsel clarified that he had borrowed the coat.
“You put a senior counsel to great embarrassment yesterday... and you logged in thrice... it only speaks volumes about the counsel, forget about the clients... never do that in future. Don’t embarrass anyone who we know are noble people in the profession,” Justice Karol stated.
The Karnataka government has sought cancellation of Kulkarni's bail, citing allegations of witness tampering. Kulkarni was arrested in 2020 in connection with the murder of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda and was granted bail in 2021. UNI SNG SSP