Karnataka courts dropped 21 communal violence cases following government order

Twenty-one cases related to communal violence and crimes in the name of 'cow protection' were withdrawn by various trial courts in Karnataka between October and December 2020, reported The Indian Express. As per the report, the move benefitted Mysore MP and BJP leader Prathap Simha, 206 members of Hindu groups and 106 Muslims.

The cases were dropped following Karnataka Government order, dated 31st August 2020, to take out as many as 62 cases and stop prosecution based on requests from elected representatives and others.

Requests were made by former law minister JC Madhuswamy, BJP MLA from Bhatkal, Sunil Naik, and Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chavan. Allegedly, the cases were dropped despite opposition by the police, prosecution and legal departments.

Thirteen cases related to communal violence including charges against Mysuru MP were dropped as per the request of Madhuswamy. Following the request, 182 youth in Hunsur region were freed from criminal charges. From Karnataka's Honnavar region, five cases were withdrawn on the request of BJP MLA from Bhatkal, Sunil Naik. Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chavan, who had a significant hand in enacting anti-slaughter law, caused the withdrawal of 2 cases connected with communal violence.

The issue of dropping the cases came into notice following a petition filed by People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) which opposed the rationale of such requests made by elected representatives. As a result of this petition, the High court put a stay on the government order.