HC
Yogesh Gowda Murder: Karnataka High Court Suspends Life Sentences of Seven Convicts
Nyayavat • Published • Updated • 3 min read
The Karnataka High Court has suspended the life sentences of seven persons convicted in the 2016 murder of BJP leader and Dharwad Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda, pending disposal of their criminal appeals.
Background and arguments
A Special CBI Court in Bengaluru had in April 2026 convicted former Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and fifteen others of conspiracy and offences connected with Gowda's murder. The present applications were filed by seven of the convicts as part of their appeals against that judgment.
How the Court approached the issue
The Division Bench ordered their release on bail subject to safeguards. Each appellant must execute a bond of ₹5 lakh with two sureties for the same amount, deposit the entire fine imposed by the trial court, remain in India unless the High Court grants permission to travel, and appear before the High Court or trial court whenever directed.
Relief and conditions
The order does not set aside the convictions. It only suspends execution of the sentences while the appeals are considered. Kulkarni and eight other convicts had earlier obtained similar interim relief.
Case: Santosh Savadatti and others v. CBI
Bench: Justice Mohammad Nawaz and Justice G. Basavaraja
Advocates: Lakshmikanth G., Parameshwarappa C. and Bhadravadi Siddeshwara for the appellants; Special Public Prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar for the CBI; Deepak Shetty for an impleading applicant.
Source: Read source report
- Karnataka High Court
- Yogesh Gowda Murder
- Suspension of Sentence
- CBI
- Bail