Karnataka High Court Quashes Complaint Against Minister, Officials Over Smart Meter Tender Irregularities

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The Karnataka High Court has dealt a significant blow to the allegations of tender manipulation in the smart meter procurement process by state energy minister K J George and senior officials of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). In a ruling on Tuesday, the court set aside a private complaint filed by three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, effectively ending the criminal proceedings initiated against the minister and officials. The complaint, filed by BJP leaders C N Ashwath Narayan, S R Vishwanath, and Dheeraj Muniraj, alleged irregularities in the procurement process, including undervaluing the tender and relaxing pre-qualification requirements to benefit a pre-selected vendor. However, senior advocate C V Nagesh, representing George and the BESCOM officials, argued that the trial court's approach was flawed and that the accused were protected under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The high court's order, delivered by Justice MI Arun, allowed a petition filed by George seeking to have the case dismissed and quashed the proceedings pending before the trial court. The court also closed the proceedings against former BESCOM managing director D Mahantesh Bilagi, who had recently passed away in a road accident. George welcomed the ruling, stating that it underscored the lack of legal basis for the allegations. 'This judgment is a powerful affirmation of truth, and I am deeply grateful for the clarity the Court has provided,' he said. 'For months, we have maintained that the allegations were unfounded. Today's order strengthens my resolve to move forward with even greater transparency, and it gives fresh momentum to the reform work we are undertaking in the state's energy sector.' The dispute began earlier this year when the BJP legislators filed a complaint with the Lokayukta police, which led to the private complaint before the special court. The high court's ruling has effectively brought an end to the matter, with George expressing relief and a renewed commitment to transparency in the state's energy sector.