Supreme Court to hear CBI probe request in Karnataka
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding "honey trap" allegations in Karnataka. The petition calls for an independent investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is free from influence by the Karnataka government. The case was brought forward by Binay Kumar Singh, a resident of Jharkhand. He wants the Supreme Court to oversee the investigation or appoint a committee led by a retired judge to monitor the process. The petition also mentions the need to investigate anyone who may have benefited from the alleged honey traps and to ensure prosecution for those found guilty. Recently, Karnataka's cooperation minister, KN Rajanna, claimed that 48 individuals have become victims of honey traps, including public officials and judges. He suggested that these incidents cross party lines, involving leaders from various political groups. The petition highlights serious concerns about the integrity of judges being compromised through such tactics. It argues that this situation threatens judicial independence and undermines public trust in the justice system.