Karnataka High Court bench on Thursday pulled up the state government for preferential treatment in case of CM’s son Vijeyandra’s temple visit during the lockdown and directed the state to file a report. On May 29, Mysuru DC had already filed a report into the incident but the court wants the government to submit the record before it.
Hearing a petition into the May 18 incident in which BY Vijayendar allegedly entered Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru and reportedly held a puja with wife, the court seems to have taken a serious note.
The court opined that there cannot be one law for citizens and another for political leaders.
Defending Vijayendra, Advocate General Prabhuilinga K Navadgi stated that BY Vijayendra was in Nanjangud for the launch of an ambulance service and arrived at 8.30 am. As the temple was open, he entered and offered puja.
To which Court shot back saying, it sends wrong signals when political persons are allowed to enter the temple when there is a prohibition and citizens are prevented. “That rule (not entering temples amid Covid-19 lockdown) must apply to all citizens, you can’t apply it to one person. There cannot be one rule for political leaders and another for citizens.” a report attributing the quote to HC said.
Further adding, the Court in its observation said, “He need not enter the temple if he went to Covid-related work.”
While ordering the next hearing on June 18, the court asked the counsel to file an affidavit in connection with photographs of Vijayendra visiting the temple which is attached to the petition.
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