The Karnataka High Court has amended travel restrictions for Cabinet Minister B Nagendra, allowing him to travel beyond Karnataka, but not outside India, without explicit court approval. This change follows the 2024 bail order connected to his alleged involvement in the Valmiki Corporation scam [B Nagendra v The Directorate of Enforcement].
Modification of Bail Conditions
Justice M Nagaprasanna presided over the decision to modify the bail terms, acknowledging Nagendra’s current role as a cabinet minister. The judge noted that Nagendra’s ministerial responsibilities might necessitate travel beyond Karnataka. “The petitioner being a cabinet minister is an admitted fact. In light of the ministerial position, and holding A portfolio or B portfolio would necessitate travel beyond jurisdiction. The petitioner is free to travel within the country as not permitting travel would undoubtedly curtail his liberty and the position that he is holding today,” stated Justice Nagaprasanna.
Under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s administration, Nagendra serves as the Minister of Planning and Statistics. Accusations against him relate to the alleged misappropriation of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, which were intended for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities.
Background of the Valmiki Corporation Scam
The scam surfaced following the tragic death of Chandrashekhar, the account superintendent of the Valmiki Corporation, who left a note accusing officials of fund misappropriation. At the time, Nagendra was the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister and subsequently resigned amid the allegations.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Nagendra after a thorough investigation, labeling him a significant suspect in the misappropriation case. Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against him and 29 others, accusing them of conspiring to divert funds and accepting unlawful payments related to a tender. Nagendra was granted conditional bail in October 2024 by a special Bengaluru court, with one condition being a travel restriction outside Karnataka.
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Plea for Travel Freedom
Senior Advocate KN Phanindra, representing Nagendra, argued for the relaxation of travel restrictions, explaining that Nagendra had to continually request permission to travel outside Karnataka over the past two years. On the other hand, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath contended that the bail terms modification should first be pursued in the special court before approaching the High Court.
After evaluating both sides, Justice Nagaprasanna decided to lift the restriction on Nagendra’s travel outside Karnataka, while stressing that he must seek prior court approval for any international travel and continue to assist with the ongoing investigation.
