Did the Judicial Panel Exonerate K'taka CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA Scam?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, a judicial commission has cleared Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his family of allegations in the MUDA case, while placing blame on officials. This report raises critical questions about accountability and governance in urban development.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cleared of allegations.
- Judicial commission blames MUDA officials for irregularities.
- Report recommends action against implicated officials.
- Ongoing investigations by Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate.
- Activist seeks CBI probe into the matter.
Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) A report from a one-man judicial commission led by P.N. Desai has exonerated Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, instead placing responsibility on the officials involved and suggesting disciplinary measures against them.
According to the report, "The MUDA commissioners have neglected the proper procedures for layout formation and site allocations as outlined in the KUDA Act. Those in office from 2020 to 2024 have capriciously and unlawfully distributed sites based on personal preferences. The alternative site allocations violated Rule 16 of the 1991 regulations. Evidence suggests a scam involving dubious justifications for the alternative site allocations," it detailed.
Following a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil shared this development with the press at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, asserting, "A one-man commission led by Justice P.N. Desai was established, and its findings clarify that the accusations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family hold no merit in relation to the MUDA case."
The report recommends taking action against certain officials, a suggestion the government has accepted, as stated by the minister.
In the MUDA case, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary accused, with his wife, Parvati, and brother-in-law, Mallikarjunaswamy, as the second and third accused, respectively. Additionally, landowner J. Devaraju is listed as the fourth accused.
Previously, the Karnataka Lokayukta had submitted a closure report due to insufficient evidence against them.
The MUDA scandal centers around the alleged unlawful allocation of 14 sites to CM Siddaramaiah’s family. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by the Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Activist Snehamayi Krishna has also filed a petition in the High Court requesting a CBI investigation, while CM Siddaramaiah has sought to dismiss the proceedings against him in this case.
The report's findings state, "Regarding the use of de-notified land in survey number 464 of Kesare village, despite the landowner's insistence on receiving alternative undeveloped land as compensation and a resolution passed in 2017 to that effect, this has not been carried out. In 2022, sites were allocated in a ratio of 50:50 as per one of the payment methods utilized, similar to the process for others."
"The allocation of sites as compensation to landowners whose lands were de-notified but utilized by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority concerning lands in survey numbers 115/22 and 115/42 in Kergalli village and the land in survey number 464 of Kesare village cannot be deemed illegal. Therefore, the compensatory methods implemented by the authority for de-notified lands do not violate the law, as MUDA lacks any title and legal possession over these lands," the report concluded.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the balance between accountability and the rule of law. The judicial commission's report emphasizes the need for transparency in urban development while protecting individuals from baseless accusations. The focus should remain on systemic reforms to prevent such issues in the future.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the MUDA scam about?
The MUDA scam involves allegations of illegal site allotments to CM Siddaramaiah's family, with ongoing investigations by the Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate.
Who led the judicial commission?
The judicial commission was led by Justice P.N. Desai.
What were the findings of the report?
The report cleared CM Siddaramaiah and his family of wrongdoing, instead blaming officials for arbitrary site allocations.
What actions have been recommended against officials?
The report has suggested disciplinary actions against several officials involved in the MUDA case.
Is there a call for a CBI investigation?
Yes, activist Snehamayi Krishna has filed a petition in the High Court requesting a CBI probe into the matter.
