Tue Sep 24 10:12:44 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Upholds Governor’s Order for Investigation Against CM Siddaramaiah

**Bangalore, India**: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the legality of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s order allowing an investigation against him over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case.

The court ruled that the Governor, while normally bound to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, can take independent decisions in exceptional circumstances. It deemed this case an exception, stating that the Governor’s order “does not suffer from non-application of mind”.

The investigation was sanctioned in July following complaints from three activists – TJ Abraham, Snehamai Krishna and Pradeep Kumar SP – who alleged that Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, received preferential treatment in the allocation of land by MUDA. The activists claimed that Parvathi was allotted 14 premium sites in Mysuru as compensation for a 3.16-acre land acquired by MUDA, which they alleged was acquired illegally and then transferred to Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, in 2005.

Siddaramaiah, who learned about the court’s decision through news reports, stated that he will respond after reviewing the order. He reiterated his willingness to face a formal investigation if it is legally justified, but emphasized the need to consult legal experts to ensure its legality. He also highlighted that the Governor had initially denied permission for prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

The BJP, which has been vocal in demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation and a CBI probe into the matter, is expected to further press for his removal following the High Court’s ruling. The controversy is likely to continue as both sides prepare for a legal battle.

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