Bangalore: The High Court on Monday directed the Home Department to take action against police officers who failed to execute as many as nine summons issued by Sandur JMFC court to MLC and former minister G Janardhan Reddy, and disposed of the petition challenging non-execution of summons.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice Ashok B Hinchigere was hearing a petition filed by city-based advocate G R Mohan, who had moved the High Court seeking directions to the Home Secretary and the state police chief.

The petitioner, in his submission had stated that Reddy, despite being a minister, had not appeared before the court though nine warrants were issued against him

The bench, following an affidavit by Home Secretary S M Jamdar, directed the state government to appoint a police officer to all the courts dealing with criminal cases within a month.

During the course of hearing, Jamdar who appeared before the court, filed an affidavit stating the police failed to execute warrants despite the fact that the former minister was present in Bellary attending public functions with the DC

Jamdar’s affidavit also said the police lied about his presence in Bellary and held them responsible for perjury and for misleading judicial proceedings and the inquiry.

Constable Satyanarayana, sub-inspector Umesh and an inspector have been suspended, he said.

Responsibility has been fixed on Additional Superintendent of Police Kurrer, Kudligi DySP Turai and SP Nagraj.

Responsibility has also been fixed on IGP Eastern Range H N Satyanarayana Rao and the then DG and IGP, Ajai Kumar Singh, who were silent despite knowing about the matter.

However, Jamdar said that he could not initiate action against police top brass but could act against those in lower rungs and directly under his purview

The bench then directed the state government to initiate action against top officials after obtaining necessary permission.