On Monday 19 August 2024 Karnataka High Court Directed trail Court not to take any action against Siddaramaiah in the MUDA Case till the court hears his plea against the Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted proceedings against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. The court’s decision comes after Siddaramaiah filed a petition challenging the Governor’s recent sanction for his prosecution. The case has been deferred until August 29, with the High Court instructing the lower court to pause all related actions until the next hearing.
The controversy revolves around a complaint filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna, accusing Siddaramaiah and nine others of forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s approval for the Chief Minister’s prosecution has sparked intense political drama in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress party alleging that the move is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise the state government.
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Legal Battle in Court:
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Siddaramaiah, argued in the High Court that the Governor’s sanction was biassed and lacked legal authority. Singhvi contended that the Governor’s actions were hasty and politically motivated, pointing out that the complaint was acted upon at “breakneck speed.” He emphasised that the decision to grant prosecution was made without a thorough application of mind, calling the sanction “illegal.”
The High Court, in its interim order, observed that the documents presented by the petitioner suggested that the Governor’s decision was flawed and lacked a proper rationale. The court acknowledged the potential for political destabilisation and harm to Siddaramaiah’s reputation if the proceedings continued without judicial review.
CM Siddaramaiah’s Response:
In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has maintained his innocence, asserting that his political career has been transparent and free of corruption. “My conscience is clear, and my political life is like an open book,” Siddaramaiah stated confidently, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated attacks by the BJP and other opposition parties. He expressed faith in the judiciary, believing that the court would ultimately rule in his favour.
The sanction for prosecution has triggered protests from the BJP, which has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation. However, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has strongly backed Siddaramaiah, accusing the opposition of conspiring to misuse the Governor’s office to topple the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Shivakumar dismissed any possibility of Siddaramaiah stepping down, stating that the party and government stand united behind the Chief Minister.
The MUDA Land Scam Allegations:
The MUDA land scam allegations centre around the allocation of land in Mysore, reportedly involving a site valued significantly higher than the compensation given for land acquired elsewhere for infrastructure projects. The complaint, filed by activist T J Abraham, alleges that the allotment of 14 alternative sites in Mysore was illegal and resulted in a substantial financial loss to the state. Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, and other family members have also been implicated in the case.
Siddaramaiah has refuted these claims, explaining that the land in question was a gift from his wife’s brother in 1998. However, another activist, Snehamayi Krishna, has alleged that the land was acquired using forged documents with the help of government officials.
As the legal and political battle intensifies, all eyes are on the Karnataka High Court’s next hearing on August 29, which will likely have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.
As the Karnataka High Court reviews the case, Siddaramaiah’s political future hangs in the balance. The outcome could significantly impact both his reputation and the stability of the state government.
