Court notice issued to MLA Janardhan Reddy in defamation case filed by MP Sasikanth Senthil

Bengaluru : The city’s special court for people’s representatives has issued a notice to Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy in connection with a defamation suit filed by former IAS officer and Tamil Nadu Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil.

The 42nd ACMM Court, which heard the matter on Tuesday, recorded the sworn statements of complainant Sasikanth Senthil and witness Kiranjeet under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Following the submissions, the court issued a notice to the accused, Janardhan Reddy, seeking his response and adjourned the hearing to October 28.

Senthil, in his complaint, alleged that Reddy made baseless and politically motivated remarks against him in connection with the Dharmasthala case, thereby tarnishing his reputation. He urged the court to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against the MLA.

Meanwhile, Reddy, in a separate political outburst, accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attempting to divide Hindu society through caste-based and economic surveys. He alleged that the Congress government was acting under pressure from Sonia Gandhi and Christian missionary groups to include the “Christian” category in the caste survey, calling it a disgraceful attempt to encourage religious conversions.

Reddy warned that the survey was designed to create conflict among various Hindu communities and demanded that the government withdraw the move immediately. “The government should call an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. If it refuses to heed the opposition’s advice, we will boycott the survey and urge people not to share any information,” he cautioned.

The MLA also criticized the Congress government for its alleged negligence in industrial development. He said that the Mittal Steel Plant, which was proposed to be set up near Kudithini, was moved to Andhra Pradesh due to the Karnataka government’s failure to provide necessary land, water, and infrastructure support.

Reddy demanded that the government either facilitate the industry’s establishment at the designated site or return the land acquired from farmers. He also said discussions regarding a new airport in Ballari were held in the presence of Ministers M.B. Patil and Santosh Lad, adding that he was awaiting the government’s response to the proposal.