Bangalore: JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy today described as "victory of truth and dharma" the Karnataka HighCourt verdict quashing proceedings launched against him in alower court.

"The court has upheld truth and justice.The verdict hasboosted my morale and reinforced faith that the judiciary will always protect the innocent", Kumaraswamy said, reactingto the High Court order.His fight against "certain illegalities" committed by BJPgovernment in the state landed him into "this situation" and there were attempts by some to tarnish his image, the former chief minister said.

The complaint against him made people doubt his integrity, he said, adding "the court order will help in clearing doubtsin the minds of people".

Kumaraswamy said the verdict has enthused him to continue his battle against BJP government's "irregularities.The High Court today quashed criminal proceedings initiated against Kumaraswamy, his wife and some of his family members in a Lokayukta court for alleged irregularities infavouring a mining firm and a housing cooperative society.