K’taka High Court dismisses PIL against Adiyogi statue near Chikkaballapur

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed public interest litigation (PIL) against the installation of a Adiyogi statue at Avalagurki village near Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur taluk on the ground that the petitioner had not disclosed his criminal antecedents and not following the norms for filing of PIL.

Arguing on behalf of Isha Foundation, senior advocate Uday Holla said the PIL was filed in the light of protest, but three of the petitioners have cases registered against them. Those filing PIL should have a clean record and the petitioner have not disclosed their background to the court.

Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale said that before pointing fingers at others, the petitioners should also be clean and the motive clear, while citing Mahatma Gandhi. The petition was filed by Kyathappa and others.

The court also pointed out that Avalagurki is about 15-20 km from Nandi Hills and there is no connection between the foot of Nandi Hills and the Adiyogi statue.