Karnataka High Court Upholds Governor’s Sanction to Prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Case
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, challenging the legality of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to prosecute him over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. A bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna upheld the Governor’s sanction, granting three individuals permission to file corruption cases against the Chief Minister regarding the land allotted to his wife, BM Parvathi, by MUDA.
The High Court emphasized that the Governor can make independent decisions and that the prosecution approval does not indicate a lack of consideration by the Governor. The bench also stressed that the facts presented in the plea require investigation before dismissal.
Background of the MUDA Case
The controversy surrounds the allocation of 14 premium sites in Mysuru to BM Parvathi as compensation for land acquired by the government. Social activists and the BJP have alleged that this allocation was unlawful and resulted in significant losses to the state treasury. The land in question, a 3.16-acre parcel in Kesare village, was allegedly transferred to Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, in 2005, though recorded as purchased in 1998.
Siddaramaiah’s Defense and BJP’s Reaction
Siddaramaiah has defended himself, stating that the land for which his wife received compensation was a gift from her brother in 1998 and that the compensation was granted during the BJP’s rule. He has called the allegations politically motivated. In contrast, the BJP has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
The Karnataka High Court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the MUDA case, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governance. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Karnataka will be watching closely to ensure justice is served.
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