Advisor to CM Siddaramaiah Asserts Legal Battle in MUDA Case Review
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Synopsis
C.S. Ponnanna, the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stated on March 5 that the petitioner in the MUDA case has the right to appeal legally. He emphasized the need for respect for the law while criticizing the politicization of the issue.
Key Takeaways
- C.S. Ponnanna reaffirms the right to appeal in the MUDA case.
- Political motivations behind the allegations are condemned.
- The court has various options regarding the investigation report.
- Accused and complainants cannot choose their investigating agency.
- The petitioner claims support from Congress leaders.
Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) In light of the recent appeal writ petition filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal, C.S. Ponnanna, the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, stated on Wednesday that the petitioner possesses the right to appeal and they will engage in a legal battle.
Addressing the media, Ponnanna remarked, “The law delineates the procedures for appeals or revisions. The petitioner in the MUDA case has the right to appeal, contingent upon its maintainability. We have consistently asserted our full respect for the due process of law and will comply with the decisions rendered by the courts. If the petitioner is following due process, there should be no objections, and we do not object.”
He further commented, “However, the crux of the matter lies in the fact that they are attempting to politicize the issue for political advantages, which is utterly condemnable. We denounce such actions. The petitioner alleges collusion with the Lokayukta police, yet he is the one who approached them for an investigation. This probe was conducted under the oversight of a High Court judge, along with ADGP and IGP level officers. Now, he wishes to lodge accusations against them, which is politically motivated... One should not conflate these two matters. He is entitled to a legal battle, and we will defend our position,” he stated.
When queried about the current status of the MUDA case, regarding whether the court might accept the Lokayukta police's closure report or initiate a trial, Ponnanna explained, “The final investigative report is currently with the court. The court has the discretion to either accept the closure report or order further investigation. Various options are available to the court, depending on the actions of the complainant... We remain unaware of the complainant's next steps,” he noted.
In response to a question about the transfer of the MUDA case investigation to the CBI, Ponnanna stated, “The order to quash the appeal for a CBI investigation has already been issued by the learned judge; this is the law and must be adhered to. We cannot impose demands based on our whims. Neither the accused nor the complainant has the authority to select the investigating agency. This is governed by law.”
Meanwhile, Snehamayi Krishna, the petitioner in the MUDA case, asserted in Mysuru on Wednesday that several individuals who provided him with documents related to the case, in which CM Siddaramaiah is named as the first accused, are Congress leaders.
“Numerous Congress leaders who are unable to fight directly are conducting this battle through me. I have received several important documents from Congress leaders,” he claimed.
“My fight is not limited to CM Siddaramaiah; all irregularities in the MUDA case must be thoroughly investigated. Anyone who has unlawfully acquired site allotments under the 50:50 ratio should be held accountable,” he asserted.
In a significant development regarding the MUDA case allegedly implicating Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna submitted a writ petition to the division bench of the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday, challenging the single bench ruling that quashed his appeal for a CBI investigation into the case.
