Valmiki Corporation Scam: Karnataka High Court Relaxes Bail Condition Of Minister B Nagendra Allowing Him To Travel Outside State

The Karnataka High Court relaxed the bail conditions imposed on newly inducted minister in the State Cabinet B Nagendra who is an accused in a case pertaining to alleged misappropriation of Valmiki Scheduled Castes Development Corporation's funds allowing him to travel outside the State without prior court permission.

The single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the condition, imposed before his induction into the Cabinet, would 'undoubtedly prejudice' not only his position but also the discharge of his official duties.

The Court noted that the condition (c) was imposed at a time when the petitioner was yet to be inducted into the Cabinet. In light of his new position as the Minister of Youth Services & Sports, the Court observed:

“…In the light of the said circumstance and the petitioner admittedly being one in the Cabinet now, the said condition would undoubtedly prejudice not only his position, but even the discharge of his official duties….”.

Accordingly, the Court held that the condition was 'unsustainable', and ordered it to be stayed.

While relaxing the condition, the Court made it explicitly clear that the relaxation was only for travel within the country:

“…However, the said unsustainability of the said condition would not mean that the petitioner can travel beyond the shores of the Nation. It is made clear that his travel will be only within the country and not beyond the country…”, the court clarified.

The court has hence stayed the operation of Condition No. (c) imposed in the bail order dated October 14, 2024, passed by the 81st Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, Bengaluru City.

The petitioner was earlier granted bail by the trial court in a case where he is booked for offences punishable under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The bail order by the trial court had earlier imposed several conditions, including:

“…c) The petitioner shall furnish his passport to the Court and shall not leave the State without obtaining written permission from the Court…”

The petitioner, who was initially an ordinary citizen facing criminal proceedings, has since been inducted into the Cabinet of Ministers in the Government of Karnataka. This induction necessitated that the Court hear the matter urgently, the court noted.

The matter is next listed on Wednesday. 

Case Title: B Nagendra v. Enforcement Directorate

Case No: Criminal Petition No. 12007/2026

Petitioner's Counsel: Sri K.N. Phanindra, Senior Counsel

Respondent's Counsel: Ms. Anuparna Bordoloi (appearing for Enforcement Directorate)

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