Tue Sep 24 18:47:51 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Upholds Governor’s Decision to Investigate CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Site Allotment Case

**Bengaluru, September 24, 2024:** In a major development, the Karnataka High Court has dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the permission granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for an investigation into allegations of irregularities in the allotment of MUDA sites to his wife.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled that there was no fault in the Governor’s action, stating that he independently exercised his power in granting permission for the investigation. The court vacated its interim order that had previously directed a special court in Bengaluru to defer a decision on complaints against Mr. Siddaramaiah.

The case stems from allegations that 14 MUDA sites were allotted to Mr. Siddaramaiah’s wife in a prime location in Mysuru in 2021, while the BJP was in power in the state. The Governor sanctioned the prosecution of the Chief Minister, citing the need for a “neutral, objective and non-partisan investigation.”

The High Court acknowledged the “undoubtedly” necessary investigation into the matter, emphasizing that the beneficiary of these acts was the Chief Minister’s family. The court concluded that the Governor’s order did not suffer from any lack of “application of mind,” but rather displayed an abundance of it.

Following the ruling, Mr. Siddaramaiah maintained that he will not hesitate to face any investigation, but will consult legal experts to determine its legality. He accused the BJP and JD(S) of resorting to “political retaliation” against him due to his pro-poor policies.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties have welcomed the court’s decision. BJP State President B. Y. Vijayendra has demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister on moral grounds, while the JD(S) hailed it as a victory for their campaign against the alleged MUDA scam.

The Karnataka government has indicated that it will appeal the High Court’s ruling to the Division Bench of the High Court and may even consider approaching the Supreme Court.

This case has sparked a significant political controversy in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress government and the Raj Bhavan clashing over the Governor’s actions. The High Court’s decision will undoubtedly have major implications for the ongoing political battle in the state.

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