Karnataka High Court has ordered interim stay on investigation by Lokayukta police against External Affairs S.M. Krishna in the alleged illegal mining case. Justice B.B Pinto issued the order after hearing arguments by senior council Uday Lalit, who appeared for S.M Krishna.

Mr. Krishna had appealed in the High Court against a private complaint lodged by Social Activist Abraham, who had alleged in his complaint that during his Tenure as Chief Minister between 1999 and 2004, S.M Krishna was responsible for de-reservation of forest for mining purpose causing loss to the state. The court has asked the respondent Abraham to make a submission on January 6.