In a a major legal setback for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to sanction his prosecution in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The court ruled that the Governor’s decision was lawful and did not show any signs of procedural errors or misuse of power.
The MUDA case involves accusations that Siddaramaiah’s wife, B. M. Parvathi, received compensatory plots in an upscale area of Mysuru, which allegedly had a significantly higher market value than the land MUDA originally acquired from her. This allotment took place under a 50:50 compensation scheme, wherein her original land, a 3.16-acre plot, was used by MUDA for residential development. The opposition claims that Parvathi received undue benefits from the deal, prompting an investigation into potential corruption.
In August 2024, Governor Gehlot granted approval for Siddaramaiah’s prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Siddaramaiah subsequently filed a petition challenging this sanction, arguing that the Governor’s order was issued without due consideration and was politically motivated. However, a single-judge bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna found no fault in the Governor’s action, noting that he had acted independently and thoroughly evaluated the case before giving his approval.
The court concluded that the facts of the case warranted further investigation, dismissing Siddaramaiah’s argument of non-application of mind by the Governor. Furthermore, the court rejected the plea by Siddaramaiah’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, to stay the order for two weeks, stating that the court cannot stay its own ruling.
This verdict could have significant political repercussions for Siddaramaiah, who has been a prominent figure in Karnataka politics. The ruling Congress party, which he leads in the state, has expressed concerns that this is part of a broader political vendetta, allegedly orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite this, the High Court’s decision adds pressure on the Chief Minister to address the legal challenges against him.
This is not the first time Siddaramaiah has faced scrutiny over land-related controversies during his political career. Nonetheless, this latest development could complicate his leadership in Karnataka, as he balances governance and his defense against corruption charges
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