September 30, 2024: In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has granted an interim stay on the investigation concerning an alleged electoral bond extortion case involving Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other prominent leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The court’s decision came during a hearing on Monday, where it scrutinized the applicability of Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 384, which addresses extortion. The judges highlighted that for a case to qualify as extortion, it must include essential elements such as a direct threat to the complainant and a formal complaint from the individual claiming to be affected.

Upon reviewing the case details, the court noted that no evidence of a threat had been presented against the complainant. Additionally, the magistrate’s prior order appeared to overlook critical aspects necessary to substantiate claims of extortion.

As a result, the High Court has put a temporary hold on the ongoing investigation, offering a reprieve to the accused leaders until the next hearing scheduled for October 22.