Tue Sep 24 08:52:15 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Dismisses Siddaramaiah’s Plea Against Governor’s Sanction in MUDA Scam

**Bengaluru, September 24:** The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s sanction to prosecute him in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The single-judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna ruled that the Governor acted within his authority and that the complainants were justified in seeking approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court emphasized the Governor’s right to take independent decisions in exceptional circumstances, stating that the case before them presented such an exception.

The court also clarified that the Governor’s decision was not based on “no application of mind,” but rather an “abundance of application of mind.” The court found no fault with the Governor’s decision-making process and rejected the CM’s claim that the sanction order was issued without due consideration.

Siddaramaiah’s petition argued that the Governor’s sanction was issued without proper justification and that the Governor’s discretionary powers were limited in such cases. His legal team also argued that the application of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was inappropriate as the alleged offense occurred in 2005, predating the enactment of the section.

However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that the Governor’s sanction order was valid and that the complainants were entitled to seek approval under Section 17A.

The court also dismissed the CM’s claim that the Governor’s decision was politically motivated, finding no evidence to support this allegation.

The decision allows the investigation and potential prosecution of Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam to proceed. The case now returns to the trial court, where proceedings will continue against the CM.

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