Karnataka High Court to Rule on CBI Investigation Request Against CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Case
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court is set to announce its ruling on a petition for a CBI investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding allegations in the MUDA case. The outcome could have significant implications for the ongoing inquiry and political dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court's ruling on CBI probe expected.
- CM Siddaramaiah and wife implicated in allegations.
- Accusations involve misuse of political influence.
- Petitioner demands independent investigation.
- Ongoing investigations by Karnataka Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate.
Bengaluru, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, is set to deliver its ruling on Friday concerning the petition that calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
The court had previously reserved its decision on January 27 after the conclusion of arguments and counterarguments.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary accused in this matter, with his wife, B.M. Parvathi, listed as the second accused.
Accusations suggest that Siddaramaiah leveraged his political power to obtain compensation for 14 plots under his wife's name in exchange for 3 acres and 16 guntas of land appropriated by the MUDA.
The petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, expressed concerns over the ongoing investigation by the Karnataka Lokayukta and requested that a CBI inquiry be initiated.
While the court reserved the matter for judgment, it instructed the Karnataka Lokayukta to persist with its investigation into the MUDA case and provide a subsequent report on the judgment day.
Six leading counsels put forward their arguments, referencing Supreme Court rulings.
Counsel Maninder Singh, representing the petitioner, asserted that an independent investigation by the CBI or another agency is essential to maintain public confidence in light of the alleged MUDA irregularities.
He argued that when significant government officials are implicated, an impartial inquiry is crucial.
“The entire Cabinet has decided to shield Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in this matter,” Singh claimed.
“From the beginning, the push has been to transfer the case to the CBI. This issue necessitates investigation by the CBI or a different independent body. There are precedents where the Supreme Court has directly handed cases to the CBI,” he continued.
Singh further insisted that CM Siddaramaiah should have readily accepted a CBI investigation.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal contended that objections were made regarding the Lokayukta investigation, alleging state government influence.
“The CBI, too, is under the purview of the Central government, making its independence questionable. In this context, it cannot be claimed that the CBI operates independently. The Lokayukta police are overseen by the Lokayukta institution, ensuring an unbiased probe,” Sibal stated.
Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that this case does not warrant a CBI investigation as it is not extraordinary.
“The petitioner initially requested a Lokayukta inquiry, and even before the Lokayukta could investigate, he sought a CBI probe. This sets a dangerous precedent,” Singhvi asserted.
Senior Counsel Dushyant Dave, representing the fourth accused, landowner J. Devaraju, argued that his client faces no criminal charges, thus negating the need for a CBI investigation.
He also claimed that the petition was filed to embarrass Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“The petitioner previously sought a Lokayukta investigation and, as that progressed, he filed for a CBI probe. The court should not waste time on this petition,” he argued.
He further pointed out that the petitioner concealed several facts related to the case.
“The petitioner has hidden the mutation order and revenue department documents proving that Devaraju was the true owner of the property,” Dave noted.
In response to these developments, Snehamayi Krishna expressed confidence that the case would be transferred to the CBI, citing inadequate investigation by the Lokayukta. She stated, “We have presented evidence and documents indicating collusion between Lokayukta officials and the accused.”
“Given the pervasive corruption and the evidence we've provided, we hope the court will assign the case to the CBI today,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served notice to B.M. Parvathi in relation to the MUDA case.
The ED has also summoned the Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah.
The ED's notice to B.M. Parvathi required her to appear before its officials on January 28. Minister Suresh has also been summoned.
In response, B.M. Parvathi and Minister Suresh have petitioned the Karnataka High Court, challenging the ED summons, and the court granted them relief, questioning the urgency of the ED's inquiry.
