Karnataka minister G Janardhana Reddy today said Governor H R Bhardwaj has no powers to issue notices to him and two other ministers on a petition seeking their disqualification citing conflict of interest.
Reddy, minister for tourism and infrastructure development in the B S Yeddyurappa government, said he responded to the notices in January itself, adding, “The publicity (to the controversy) was given only now.” “The Governor is not court. He has no authority to issue notices. It’s not in his jurisdiction,” Janardhana told reporters here.
Terming the petition filed in January by Congress MLC K C Kondaih as “false complaint”, he said, “The Governor should have rejected the complaint.” Early this week, the governor began proceedings on the petition by summoning Reddy, his brother and revenue minister G Karunakara Reddy and health minister B Sreeramulu, seeking their legal assistance on the petition.
Kondaiah, in his petition has sought disqualification of the trio alleging that they were indulging in illegal mining and their continuing in the Cabinet would influence decisions in favour of their business activities. On the basis of the complaint, the governor on January 19 issued a notice under Article 191 of Constitution (relating to disqualification provisions) seeking replies from the Reddy brothers and Sreeramulu.
The ministers’ advocates presented their arguments before the governor on Monday and hearing was adjourned to June 3.