High Court stays chargesheet against pro-Kannada leader in 'insulting national flag' case

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka has granted an interim stay on filing of the chargesheet against A. Krishnappa, President of the Kannada Abhimani Sangha, in a case where he was accused of insulting the national flag.

After distributing sweets during a celebratory event, Krishnappa reportedly wiped his sweet-stained hands with the Indian tricolour. The incident reportedly occurred near Vinayaka Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Jayanagar 4th Phase on May 8. A video of the incident went viral on social media.

Taking suo motu cognisance, Tilak Nagar Police registered an FIR under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, for allegedly dishonouring the national flag.

Krishnappa moved the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR. Hearing the plea, Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar issued an interim order staying the filing of the chargesheet in the trial court.

Senior advocate Vivek Subba Reddy, appearing for Krishnappa, submitted that the incident occurred unintentionally during a programme held to celebrate the Indian Army’s successful strike on Pakistan. He argued that there was no intent to insult the flag.

Taking this into account, the court restrained the Tilak Nagar police from filing a chargesheet against Krishnappa for now. The court also issued notices to the Tilak Nagar police inspector and complainant Manjunath, a police officer, and adjourned the matter for further hearing.