MUDA Case: The Karnataka High Court, in a landmark judgment on September 24, 2024, ruled in favour of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s petition against the Governor’s approval for an inquiry against him on the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. Sidddaramahiah’s petition had been dismissed as per both sides’ arguments, which stated that the Governor himself can sanction the registration of a case based on personal complaints.
Allegations Against CM Siddaramaiah’s Wife
In the present case, however, the allegations relate to his wife, BM Parvati, that she receives an offset of a compensation site at a prime locality in Mysore valued far more than what she obtained through land development. Thereby, under the 50:50 ratio scheme of MUDA, she was allotted plots for land developed into a residential layout to the extent of 3.16 acres. The validity of this allotment forms the basis for grievances and proper judicial scrutiny.
The High Court had concluded its hearings on the issue on September 12, 2024 and restrained the special court in Bengaluru from making immediate actions against the Chief Minister pending the verdict. In a statement following the judgment, Advocate Ranganath Reddy representing complainant TJ Abraham underlined that the court had found enough reasons in the complaint to warrant investigation.
Court’s Rationale for Investigation
He further noted, “The writ petition challenging the order of approval passed by Karnataka Governor has been dismissed. The facts contemplated in the complaint would undoubtedly warrant investigation.” It also refused the prayer to extend stay over the proceedings, which may be presumed that now the special court is free to continue the complaint in accordance with law.
Coming to the inquiry aspect, Lokayukta is likely to engage on that count, and discussions may gather further momentum with respect to sending the case to CBI or other investigating agencies. This is the decision of a very emotive dilemma wherein issues of corruption and abuse of power are lurking behind Karnataka politics.