New Delhi: In a significant development in Karnataka’s political landscape, Gali Janardhana Reddy, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Gangawati constituency, has been disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly following his conviction in a high-profile illegal mining case. The disqualification, effective from May 6, 2025, was announced by the Karnataka Assembly, citing constitutional and statutory provisions. This move has resulted in a vacancy in the Gangawati constituency, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political and legal spheres.
Legal Basis for Disqualification
The disqualification of Janardhana Reddy was enacted under Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution of India, which outlines the conditions for disqualifying a sitting MLA, in conjunction with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951. According to the official notification issued by the Karnataka Assembly, Reddy’s conviction by the Court of the Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases in Hyderabad in case CC.No.1 of 2012 triggered his immediate disqualification.
Article 191 of the Constitution specifies several grounds for disqualification of an MLA, including:
- Holding an office of profit.
- Being declared of unsound mind by a competent court.
- Being an undischarged insolvent.
- Voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign state or ceasing to be a citizen of India.
- Defection from the political party.
- Disqualification under any law enacted by Parliament.
Additionally, Section 8 of the RPA, 1951, stipulates that a lawmaker convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more faces disqualification. The crimes leading to such disqualification include serious offenses like bribery, rape, promoting enmity between groups, or practicing untouchability. Other grounds for disqualification under the RPA include involvement in corrupt practices, dismissal from government service for corruption or disloyalty, holding a government contract, occupying a key position in a company with 25% or more government ownership, or failing to report election expenses.
In Reddy’s case, the 2013 Lily Thomas v Union of India Supreme Court judgment played a crucial role. This landmark ruling established that a lawmaker is disqualified immediately upon conviction for a crime carrying a sentence of two years or more, without the need for further legal proceedings. The duration of disqualification, as per Section 8(3) of the RPA, extends for the period of imprisonment plus an additional six years after release, unless the conviction is stayed by a competent court.
Details of the Conviction
On May 6, 2025, a CBI Special Court in Hyderabad convicted Janardhana Reddy, along with three others, in a case linked to illegal mining activities by the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) in Anantapur district of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The case, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) nearly 16 years ago, culminated in a legal battle spanning 14 years. The court sentenced Reddy, named as accused number two, and the other convicts—including his relative B.V. Srinivas Reddy, the managing director of OMC—to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. Each individual was fined Rs 10,000, while the company itself faced a penalty of Rs 1 lakh.
Following the pronouncement of the sentence, the CBI took Reddy and the other convicts into custody, and they were subsequently shifted to prison. As per the law, Reddy will remain disqualified from holding public office for the duration of his imprisonment and for an additional six years after his release, unless a higher court stays his conviction.
Official Notification by Karnataka Assembly
The Karnataka Assembly formalized Reddy’s disqualification through a notification issued by M.K. Vishalakshi, the Assembly Secretary, on May 8, 2025. The notification explicitly stated:
“Consequent upon conviction of Sri G. Janardhana Reddy, Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly representing the Gangawati Constituency by the Court of the Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases, Hyderabad in CC.No.1 of 2012, he stands disqualified from the membership of Karnataka Legislative Assembly from the date of conviction i.e., 6th May, 2025 in terms of the provisions of Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and such disqualification shall continue for a further period of six years since his release, unless a competent Court stays the conviction. Hence, ONE seat of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly has fallen vacant.”
This notification underscores the legal and constitutional framework that governs the disqualification process and highlights the immediate impact on the Gangawati constituency, which now faces a vacant seat in the state legislature.
Political Journey of Janardhana Reddy
Janardhana Reddy, a former minister in the B.S. Yediyurappa-led BJP government, has been a prominent figure in Karnataka politics, particularly in the Ballari region, where he was once considered a political strongman. His political career, however, has been marred by controversies, particularly those related to the illegal mining scam that led to his arrest in 2011. Reddy was released on bail in 2015 and maintained a distance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for several years.
In 2022, Reddy broke away from the BJP and founded his own political outfit, the Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP). Under the KRPP banner, he contested the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections from the Gangawati constituency and emerged victorious, securing his position as an MLA. However, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Reddy dissolved the KRPP and rejoined the BJP, marking the end of his brief stint as an independent political leader.
Reddy’s disqualification has dealt a blow to his political aspirations and the BJP’s presence in the Gangawati constituency. The vacancy in the state legislature is likely to prompt a by-election, which could reshape the political dynamics in the region.
Context of the Illegal Mining Case
The illegal mining case involving Janardhana Reddy and the Obulapuram Mining Company has been a long-standing issue in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The CBI’s investigation, initiated nearly 16 years ago, focused on allegations of unauthorized mining activities that caused significant environmental and economic damage. The case gained widespread attention due to its political implications and the involvement of high-profile figures like Reddy, who was a key player in the mining industry in the Ballari region.
The conviction of Reddy and his associates on May 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the CBI’s efforts to address illegal mining and hold accountable those involved in such activities. The seven-year sentence and hefty fines imposed on the convicts reflect the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and deterring similar offenses in the future.
Implications for Karnataka Politics
The disqualification of Janardhana Reddy has far-reaching implications for Karnataka’s political landscape. The vacancy in the Gangawati constituency is expected to trigger a by-election, which will likely see intense competition among political parties vying for control of the seat. The BJP, which Reddy rejoined in 2024, will need to strategize carefully to retain its influence in the region, especially given Reddy’s prominence as a local leader.
Moreover, the case highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability among elected representatives. The immediate disqualification of Reddy, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling, reinforces the principle that lawmakers are not above the law and must face the consequences of their actions.
Broader National Context
The disqualification of Janardhana Reddy comes at a time when India is grappling with several high-profile legal and political developments. On the same day as Reddy’s conviction, reports emerged of Indian forces targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan, an operation dubbed Operation Sindoor. This operation prompted varied responses from political leaders, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee putting her state’s government on high alert and canceling officials’ leaves. Meanwhile, Hina Rabbani Khan, a Pakistani politician, labeled India a “rogue state,” while Indian leaders like Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sharad Pawar defended the country’s actions.
Other notable incidents include the excommunication of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by a Shankaracharya for allegedly insulting the Manusmriti, and a violent crime in Bihar involving the rape of a dancer. These events, combined with Reddy’s disqualification, reflect the complex interplay of politics, law, and security in India as of May 2025.
Conclusion
The disqualification of Gali Janardhana Reddy as a Karnataka MLA following his conviction in an illegal mining case is a landmark event with significant legal and political ramifications. Grounded in Article 191 of the Constitution and Section 8 of the RPA, 1951, the disqualification underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding accountability among elected representatives. As Karnataka prepares for a by-election in the Gangawati constituency, the state’s political landscape is poised for change, with the BJP facing the challenge of maintaining its influence in the region. Reddy’s conviction, after a 14-year legal battle, serves as a reminder of the long arm of the law and the importance of transparency and integrity in public life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Why was Janardhana Reddy disqualified as a Karnataka MLA?
Janardhana Reddy was disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly following his conviction on May 6, 2025, by a CBI Special Court in Hyderabad in an illegal mining case involving the Obulapuram Mining Company. The disqualification was enacted under Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution of India and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, due to his seven-year imprisonment sentence.
2.What are the legal grounds for disqualifying an MLA in India?
Under Article 191 of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an MLA can be disqualified for holding an office of profit, being of unsound mind, being an undischarged insolvent, acquiring foreign citizenship, defection, or conviction for serious crimes (e.g., bribery, rape, promoting enmity) with a sentence of two years or more. Reddy’s disqualification was triggered by his conviction and imprisonment.
3.How long will Janardhana Reddy remain disqualified?
As per Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Reddy will be disqualified for the duration of his seven-year imprisonment and an additional six years after his release, unless a competent court stays his conviction.
4.What happens to the Gangawati constituency after Reddy’s disqualification?
Reddy’s disqualification has created a vacancy in the Gangawati constituency, leaving one seat vacant in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. This is likely to lead to a by-election, with political parties, including the BJP, competing to secure the seat.
5.What is the significance of the 2013 Lily Thomas v Union of India judgment in this case?
The 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Lily Thomas v Union of India mandated that a lawmaker convicted and sentenced to two years or more in prison is immediately disqualified from their position without further legal proceedings. This judgment directly applied to Reddy’s case, resulting in his prompt disqualification upon conviction.
