Karnataka High Court quashed an FIR against RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, calling it retaliatory after he accused a government official of theft from a temple. Court cited abuse of process.
Karnataka HC Quashes Retaliatory FIR Against RTI Activist
The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who was accused of threatening a government official [Snehamayi Krishna v State of Karnataka]. Justice Rajesh Rai K observed that the FIR was a counterblast registered after Krishna alleged the official’s involvement in misappropriating saris from a local temple.
The court held that the police response amounted to misuse of criminal process to suppress legitimate dissent and RTI-related scrutiny. It emphasized protection under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and the role of activists in holding public officials accountable. The ruling reinforces that criminal charges cannot be weaponized against whistleblowers.
Practitioners should note this as a strengthening of safeguards against retaliatory prosecution, particularly in RTI and governance-related matters. Courts are increasingly applying principles under BNSS Section 35(3) (equivalent to CrPC 41A) and Article 21 to prevent arbitrary arrests in such cases.
Citations
- Snehamayi Krishna v State of Karnataka
