‘Judge, Not a Government Agent’: Union Minister Criticizes Justice Michael D’Cunha for Karnataka’s COVID Report
Pralhad Joshi stated that the D’Cunha Commission issued an interim report without notifying BS Yediyurappa or B Sriramulu.
Image Source: Rediff
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized retired judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, who led an investigation into the previous BJP government’s PPE procurement deal in Karnataka, accusing him of acting as an “agent.” As reported by ANI, Joshi stated, “Justice Michael D’Cunha, you are a judge, not an agent.” The D’Cunha Commission’s report recommended prosecuting former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and former Health Minister B Sriramulu over a 2020 deal for 3 lakh PPE kits purchased from Chinese companies.
Speaking at a public meeting in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Joshi claimed Justice D’Cunha had consistently opposed them. D’Cunha, who retired from the Karnataka High Court in 2021, issued the commission’s interim report without prior notice to Yediyurappa or Sriramulu. Joshi questioned the timing of the report’s release, suggesting it was aimed at diverting public attention during elections, and dismissed it as a “drama” lacking substance. He further criticized the Congress-led government for raising milk and alcohol prices and issuing Waqf notices even on farmers’ land, allegedly violating Supreme Court orders.
Joshi also claimed that a Muslim flag had recently been raised at Shiggaon Santhe Maidan, warning that locals might respond by raising saffron flags and urging the election of Bharat Bommai to prevent further land issues under the Waqf. In response, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao defended Justice D’Cunha, renowned for his integrity, and accused Joshi of defaming the judge. Rao called for Joshi’s prosecution for “slanderous” remarks and expressed hope that the Commission would take action against Joshi’s “arrogant statement” as an attempt to intimidate a public servant fulfilling his duties in the Covid investigation.
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