Mon Sep 30 15:57:08 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka HC Upholds Governor’s Decision to Investigate Siddaramaiah in MUDA Land Scam
**Bengaluru, Karnataka**: In a major setback for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the Governor’s approval for an investigation against him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case.
Justice M Nagaprasanna of the High Court ruled that the Governor, in this case, had the right to exercise his discretion despite the government’s decision. The court observed that while the Governor typically acts on the government’s decisions, he can intervene in extraordinary circumstances, which the court deemed this situation to be.
The petition, filed by Siddaramaiah, argued that the Governor’s decision to approve a probe against him in a land deal where he was not a beneficiary or a participant was illegal. The Governor’s approval was seen as a contentious move following allegations of irregularities in land allotment during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister from 2013-18.
The allegations stem from a complaint filed by social activists, including Snehamayi Krishna, who accused Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvati, of acquiring MUDA land illegally. The activists claimed that Parvati’s brother received a land parcel in Vijayapura in exchange for land owned by him that was taken over by MUDA for development purposes. They argued that the land exchanged was undervalued, causing substantial losses to the government treasury.
The Governor’s approval for the probe was based on the allegations raised by the activists and their submission of evidence indicating that the case falls under the purview of the Anti-Corruption Act. The Governor also forwarded the documents to the President and the Union Home Ministry.
The High Court’s decision upholding the Governor’s approval for the investigation against Siddaramaiah is expected to intensify political pressure on the Chief Minister. The case is now set to proceed further, with the investigation potentially casting a shadow over his administration.
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