Hegde dismayed by Karnataka High Court's ruling

While BS Yeddyurappa and his followers rejoiced over the Karnataka high court ruling on the mining report, former Lok Ayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, who prepared the report, expressed his disappointment.

Justice Hegde noted that the court, in its judgment, said that he (Justice Hegde) violated the principles of natural justice in his report on illegal mining.

This was their view and it could be challenged in the Supreme Court, he said, adding that he would not comment on the judgment.

“My major grievance is that the HC has stopped all investigations into illegal mining. The HC has also said that investigating into Yeddyurappa’s dealings with a mining company is out of my jurisdiction. I do not agree with this,” he said.

JD(S) president HD Kumaraswamy said Yeddyurappa, who had control over the Lok Ayukta, stopped the officials to provide the necessary documents using his influence.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that the court order did not mean that Yeddyurappa was innocent.