In a significant verdict, the Karnataka High Court has acquitted all 30 individuals accused in a case related to protests at the Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in 2011. The court strongly criticized the police investigation, calling it flawed and directed the state's top police official to take disciplinary action against the investigating officer.
Court Slams Investigation, Orders Action Against Officer
Justice H P Sandesh, presiding over the case, delivered the acquittal order on December 2, 2025. The judge found serious lapses in the investigation conducted by the police. Justice Sandesh explicitly directed the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) of Karnataka to initiate appropriate action against the investigating officer, Vijayakumar. The court has mandated the submission of a progress report on the action taken.
The case dates back to 2011 and involved allegations against workers and others following protests at the Toyota facility in Bidadi, near Bengaluru. The accused had faced various charges, but the prosecution's case collapsed under judicial scrutiny due to the poor quality of evidence presented, which the court linked directly to the investigation's failures.
Long Legal Battle Ends With Acquittal
The acquittal brings an end to a legal battle that stretched over 14 years for the 30 accused. The High Court's decision underscores the importance of a fair and thorough investigative process. By highlighting the investigating officer's role, the judgment points to systemic issues that can lead to prolonged injustice.
The court's directive to the DG&IGP is a rare and strong move, emphasizing accountability within the police force. It signals that the judiciary will not overlook investigations that fail to meet basic standards of diligence and fairness, especially when they affect the liberty of numerous individuals.
Implications and Next Steps
The verdict has several immediate implications:
- The 30 acquitted individuals are now free from the charges that have been pending against them since 2011.
- The Karnataka police must now act on the court's order and initiate proceedings against investigating officer Vijayakumar.
- The DG&IGP is obligated to file a progress report with the court, detailing the steps taken.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of flawed investigations and the critical role of the judiciary in correcting such errors. The focus now shifts to the police administration's response to the court's firm instructions regarding accountability.
