New Delhi, June 5, 2025 

The Supreme Court issued a stern ultimatum to Congress MLA and former Karnataka minister Vinay Kulkarni, giving him 24 hours to submit documents in response to allegations of witness tampering in the 2016 Yogesh Gowda murder case.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to grant more time after the Karnataka government’s counsel sought immediate cancellation of Kulkarni’s bail, citing fresh evidence including CCTV footage suggesting interference with trial witnesses. “We are going to be very, very unreasonable and harsh on you,” the court told Kulkarni’s counsel, making it clear that the matter would not be adjourned any further.

Background of the Case

Yogesh Gowda, a BJP zilla panchayat member from Dharwad, was murdered in June 2016. While the case was initially linked to a property dispute, the CBI took over the probe in 2019, arresting Vinay Kulkarni on charges of conspiracy. He was granted conditional bail by the Supreme Court in 2021, with specific restrictions on entering Dharwad district to prevent potential influence over witnesses.

Witness Tampering Allegations

The Karnataka government has now moved the apex court seeking cancellation of Kulkarni’s bail, alleging that he violated bail conditions by indirectly contacting and attempting to influence witnesses. Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the state, submitted that the tampering could derail the fairness of the trial.

Kulkarni’s counsel had requested a week’s time to file a response, citing unavailability of documents due to the court’s vacation period. However, the Supreme Court denied the plea and directed that all materials be submitted within a day.

In a development, the court also directed the trial court in Dharwad to temporarily halt witness examinations in the ongoing case until further orders, noting that the integrity of the process must be preserved.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 6, 2025, when the court will decide the course of action based on the submissions made.

Case Title: THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
Versus VINAY RAJASHEKHARAPPA KULKARNI, SLP(Crl) No. 7865/2025