Bengaluru, May 5 -- In a significant judicial observation that adds a sharp twist to the post-election legal battle in Sringeri, the Karnataka High Court has stayed criminal proceedings against BJP MLA DN Jeevaraj in a voter ballot tampering case, describing the FIR as "motivated" and raising questions over its timing and intent.
The case stems from the closely fought 2023 Karnataka Assembly election in Sringeri, where Congress candidate TD Rajegowda was initially declared winner by 201 votes. However, following an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, the High Court ordered a recount and re-verification of postal ballots in April 2026.
After the exercise, the Returning Officer revised the result on May 3, 2026, declaring Jeevaraj the winn...