Karnataka HC eases travel curbs for minister Nagendra, foreign trips still need nod

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday permitted Minister for Planning and Statistics B. Nagendra to travel across the country without seeking prior permission from the trial court. However, the court continued the restriction on travelling abroad without the court's prior approval.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order while modifying a condition imposed by the trial court in 2024, when it granted bail to Mr. Nagendra in a money laundering case registered by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). The case is linked to the alleged misappropriation of over ₹89 crore from the State-run Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd.

The alleged fraud occurred in 2024, when Mr. Nagendra was serving as the Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Youth Empowerment and Sports. He was arrested by the ED, which arraigned him as an accused in the money laundering case, even though he was not named in the chargesheet filed by the State police. Following the allegations, he resigned from the State Cabinet led by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in June 2024, and was later arrested by the ED.

Mr. Nagendra, a four-time MLA from the Ballari Assembly constituency, returned to the Cabinet in June this year under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. After assuming the ministerial post, he filed a petition seeking relaxation of his bail conditions. He pointed out the difficulties he would face in seeking permission from the trial court every time he needed to travel outside the State to discharge his official duties as a Minister.

The court's order allows him to move freely within the country, addressing the practical challenges of his role. However, the restriction on foreign travel remains in force, requiring Mr. Nagendra to obtain prior permission from the trial court before any international trip. This condition is intended to ensure that he remains available for the legal proceedings in the ongoing case.

The ED's case against Mr. Nagendra stems from the alleged financial irregularities in the Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The investigation continues, and the court's modification of bail conditions does not affect the merits of the case. Mr. Nagendra has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and the legal process will determine the outcome of the allegations.

The High Court's decision balances the rights of the accused with the demands of public office. By permitting domestic travel without prior approval, the court has acknowledged the responsibilities of a sitting Minister, while the continued restriction on foreign travel reflects the need to secure the interests of justice. The matter remains sub judice, and further developments in the case will be closely watched.