The Special Lokayukta Court here exempted Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa, his son K.E. Kanthesh and daughter-in-law Shalini from personal appearance in a disproportionate assets case on Tuesday. However, the court asked them to appear without fail for the next hearing on June 10.
The Court had on May 2 issued summons to all the three to appear for hearing on June 7. The three had pleaded for exemption from personal appearance under section 205 of Criminal Procedure Code through their counsel. Ashok Bhat, counsel for Mr. Eshwarappa sought an exemption on grounds that they had to visit a sick relative.
The case was registered based on a private complaint by anti-graft activist Vinod B.. K.P. Sripal, the counsel for the complainant said that, as cases were registered under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code and the charges levelled against them were also serious by nature, they should not be granted exemption from personal appearance.
