Karnataka High Court Dismisses CBI Inquiry Request Against CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Case

Bengaluru, Feb 7 (NationPress) In a significant development for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, on Friday dismissed a petition that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

Following the arguments from both parties, the court had reserved its decision on January 27.

In this case, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was named as the primary accused, with his wife, B.M. Parvathi, listed as the secondary accused.

In response to the ruling, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna referred to it as a temporary setback, indicating plans to file an appeal once the order sheet is accessible.

The case centers on allegations that Siddaramaiah leveraged his political clout to obtain compensation for 14 plots registered under his wife's name, in exchange for 3 acres and 16 guntas of land appropriated by MUDA.

The petitioner expressed discontent with the ongoing investigation by the Karnataka Lokayukta, instead advocating for a CBI inquiry.

While reserving its decision, the court instructed the Lokayukta to persist with its investigation and provide a follow-up report.

Six esteemed lawyers presented arguments in the case, referencing Supreme Court rulings.

The petitioner's counsel, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, stressed the necessity for an independent CBI investigation, highlighting that impartial scrutiny is crucial when high-ranking officials are involved. He claimed, "The entire cabinet has resolved to shield CM Siddaramaiah in this matter."

In opposition, Senior counsel Kapil Sibal noted that the petitioner initially sought a Lokayukta investigation but later requested a CBI inquiry before the Lokayukta could conclude its probe. "The CBI is also under governmental oversight. The Lokayukta police, however, operate independently under the Lokayukta's jurisdiction," he contended.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi affirmed that this was not a case of utmost rarity that necessitated a CBI investigation, asserting that permitting such petitions could establish a perilous precedent.

Moreover, Senior counsel Dushyant Dave, representing the fourth accused, landowner J. Devaraju, asserted that his client faced no criminal charges, claiming the petition was merely aimed at discrediting the Chief Minister. He accused the petitioner of withholding critical documents, including records from the revenue department that validate Devaraju’s ownership of the land.

In a related matter, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to B.M. Parvathi and Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh concerning the MUDA case.

The ED summoned Parvathi for questioning on January 28, while Minister Suresh was also required to present himself to the agency.

Both Parvathi and Suresh have since approached the Karnataka High Court to contest the summons. The court granted them relief, questioning the ED’s haste in the situation.