The Advocate’s Association, Bengaluru has written to Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud flagging how interim anticipatory bail application of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa was listed and decided within a day by the Karnataka High Court. The Association raised “serious concerns” over this matter. The Lokayukta had found Rs. 6 crore cash in Virupakshappa’s house while his son was caught taking a bribe of Rs. 40 lakh. Virupakshappa, from Channagiri constituency, was granted anticipatory bail by Justice K Natarajan and ordered that the bail would stand until the petition is decided and directed Virupakshappa to appear before the authority for investigation and inquiry. He had gone missing since he was booked in the case and surfaced after this protection from arrest was granted to him.

The letter says, “the usual practice in the High Court of Karnataka is that new matters like Anticipatory bail take several days and weeks for posting. But, however, VIP matters are entertained overnight.” The Association was dismayed that such practice would lead to a common man losing faith in the judicial system. Hence, the Association has pleaded that the High Court direct the registry to list all anticipatory bail matters within one day so that “common man is treated as a VIP”.

The complaint concludes by stating, “It is essential that the temple of justice should be equal to all and any VIP must have to wait just as the common man and in this regard the Advocates Association expresses serious shock and concern over the matter”.

The letter bears the signatures of the President, Vivek Subba Reddy, General Secretary TG Ravi and Treasurer, Harisha MT.

Virupakshappa is confident of being acquitted in the case, as he claimed to reporters. He claims that the money seized is income from agriculture and legitimate businesses run by his family. “Rs 4-5 crore can be found even at the house of a common man. As we have a lot of businesses, Rs 6 crore is not a big deal for us. I will submit all the relevant documents to the Lokayukta,” he told the media. The complaint with the Lokayukta is believed to have been filed by Shreyas Kashyap of Chemixil Corporation stating that Rs 81 lakh bribe was asked of him regarding a tender.  After his son was booked Virupakshappa resigned from Chairmanship of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL).

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