Tue Sep 24 10:12:46 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Dismisses Siddaramaiah’s Petition Challenging MUDA Scam Investigation

**Bengaluru:** In a major setback for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed his petition challenging the Governor’s approval for an investigation against him in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case.

The case involves allegations of irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife, B M Parvathi, in a prime location in Mysuru. The complainants, Pradeep Kumar S P, T J Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna, alleged that the sites allotted to Parvathi were of higher value than the land acquired by MUDA.

Siddaramaiah had challenged the Governor’s sanction for the investigation, arguing that the order was issued without due application of mind and violated constitutional principles. However, the High Court dismissed his petition, stating that the Governor acted within his powers and the complainants had a right to seek an investigation.

Justice M Nagaprasanna ruled that the Governor’s order was not a case of “not even a semblance of application of mind,” but “abundance of application of mind.” He also noted that the grant of an opportunity of hearing prior to the approval was not mandatory.

The court’s decision clears the way for the investigation into the alleged MUDA scam and potentially puts Siddaramaiah in a precarious position. The Special Court for People’s Representatives will now hear the case against him.

The case has sparked significant political controversy in Karnataka, with the opposition BJP using it to attack Siddaramaiah and the ruling Congress government. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the state’s political landscape.

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