The Karnataka High Court imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, ministers MB Patil and Ramalinga Reddy, and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala for their involvement in protests demanding the arrest of former state minister K S Eshwarappa over the Santhosh Patil suicide case in Bengaluru in April 2022.According to reports, a bench dismissed the petition filed by Siddaramaiah and others seeking to quash criminal prosecution registered for allegedly illegally marching towards the official residence of the then CM Basavaraj Bommai, demanding the resignation of then Minister KS Eshwarappa.Karnataka High Court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on CM Siddaramaiah, state cabinet ministers MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala and asked them to appear physically before the peoples representatives court.CM Siddaramaiah has been asked to…— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024The High Court has summoned CM Siddaramaiah to appear on March 6, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on March 7, Congress Karnataka in-charge RS Surjewala on March 11, and Heavy Industries Minister MB Patil on March 15.According to ANI reports, the High Court said, What happens if representatives dont follow the rule and block the roads when city life is already torture Representatives need to follow the rule first.Congress leaders demand KS Eshwarappas arrest The High Court rejected Siddaramaiahs advocacy petition. Congress leaders, including the current CM, participated in a protest in April 2022, demanding KS Eshwarappas arrest in connection with the contractor Santosh Patils death case.Eshwarappa resigned following the row over his alleged role in the suicide of the contractor. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of the State in the previous BJP government.Earlier, Santosh Patil, a BJP leader and contractor, was found dead in a lodge in Udupi on April 12, 2022.
