BANGALORE: Just as the Reddy brothers thought nothing could come in their way after the Supreme Court cleared their mining activities, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is due to issue show-cause notice to the ministers on Monday.

Following the petition forwarded by governor H R Bhardwaj — based on a complaint lodged by Congress MLC K C Kondaiah — the ECI has directed chief electoral officer (CEO) Suranjana to issue show-cause notice to G Karunakara Reddy, G Janardhana Reddy and B Sriramulu, seeking an explanation on office-of-profit issue. All three are directors of Obulapuram Mining Company ( OMC).

If the case is proved, the three ministers will be disqualified as legislators.

Sources in the CEO's office confirmed that notice is to be issued to the ministers in person, and not to their aides or paste the notice. "Explanation has been sought on office-of-profit and conflict-of-interest issues. They have to reply to the notice within seven days," sources said.

Following Kondaiah's complaint that the Reddys are holding office-of-profit despite being ministers, the governor had issued notice and summoned the ministers for hearing in May. They failed to appear, and were represented by their advocates.

With Janardhana Reddy questioning the governor's constitutional authority in summoning them and holding an inquiry, the case was referred to the ECI.