The Karnataka High Court has levied exemplary fine of Rs. 17 lakhs on 68 traders of Madikeri in Kodagu district for contempt of court.
Hearing a contempt petition filed by the Madikeri CMC commissioner, against the traders who had violated the High Court division bench order dated July 24th, 2009 to vacate the premises of the CMC within three months, the division bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar has levied a cost of Rs. 25,000 each on all 68 traders.
Of the cost collected from the traders, Rs. 10,000 would be given to the bar council, another Rs. 10,000 will be collected as court fees and the remaining Rs. 5,000 will be given to the CMC as litigation expenses. The CMC will now call for tenders from the public for the vacated shops .