Why Did the Karnataka HC Direct Authorities to Notify CM Siddaramaiah's Wife in the MUDA Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka HC has ordered notice be served to CM Siddaramaiah's wife regarding the MUDA case.
- The case involves allegations of illegal site allotments.
- Political tensions within the Congress government are intensifying.
- The next hearing is scheduled for September 4.
- Transparency and accountability remain crucial in governance.
Bengaluru, July 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has recently instructed that notice be issued to B.M. Parvathi, the wife of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal.
In this case, CM Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary accused, while his wife, Parvathi, holds the position of the second accused.
The division bench, which includes Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwara Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi, delivered this directive during the hearing of a petition brought forth by activist Snehamayi Krishna. She has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged MUDA scam.
This order was prompted by the court learning that notice had yet to be served to the Chief Minister's wife.
The court expressed concerns over the delay in serving the notice and subsequently mandated that it be delivered.
Additionally, the bench reviewed a petition filed by CM Siddaramaiah, contesting the prosecution authorization granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in relation to the MUDA case.
The case has been postponed until September 4.
Previously, the bench had ordered that notices be dispatched to all relevant parties.
With this latest order, CM Siddaramaiah's wife is now expected to present her case through legal representation regarding the petition advocating for a CBI investigation into the MUDA scandal.
The MUDA case involves allegations of the unlawful allocation of 14 sites to Parvathi, who subsequently returned the sites to MUDA after the issue garnered national scrutiny.
This High Court ruling offers a measure of relief to CM Siddaramaiah amidst escalating tensions within the ruling Congress government.
Reports indicate a leadership conflict between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister, along with State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.
Both leaders are presently in Delhi, anticipated to engage with the Congress high command.
In response to the court's instruction regarding his wife, CM Siddaramaiah stated from Delhi that he was unaware of the situation and would seek further information.
The postponement of the MUDA case to September 4 has temporarily spared the Chief Minister from needing to provide clarifications to the party leadership in the state.