What Did the Karnataka Court Order in the MUDA Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, a Bengaluru court has instructed the Karnataka Lokayukta to finalize its investigation into the MUDA case within two months, while dismissing a request to change the investigation officer. With high-profile individuals implicated, this case is set to unfold under scrutiny, raising questions about accountability in governance.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta must finalize its investigation within two months.
- The request for a new investigation officer has been dismissed.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife are under serious allegations.
- Public accountability is at the forefront of this case.
- The court has set a final report deadline of November 15.
Bengaluru, Oct 9 (NationPress) An Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru has mandated that the Karnataka Lokayukta conclude its investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) within a swift period of two months. Furthermore, the court has dismissed the request to replace the investigation officer.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been named as the principal accused, with his wife listed as the second. Activist Snehamayi Krishna serves as the complainant in this case, challenging the clean chit granted to CM Siddaramaiah and his family, while also pushing for a change in the investigation officer.
The court's ruling articulated: "The application submitted by the complainant under Section 156(3) of Cr.P.C., seeking directions to the Karnataka Lokayukta to change the investigating officer is hereby denied."
Moreover, the court has instructed: "In light of the unique facts and circumstances surrounding the case, the investigating agency is instructed to finalize the investigation promptly, adhering to a two-month deadline from today, without requesting further extensions for the submission of a comprehensive report."
Notably, the court has set November 15 as the deadline for the final report.
The MUDA case pertains to the alleged unlawful allocation of 14 sites to the Chief Minister’s wife under a 50:50 scheme in exchange for 3.16 acres of land purportedly donated by her brother, the third accused. Allegations suggest that the Chief Minister’s wife lacked any legal claim to this 3.16 acres of land.
The Special Court has mandated the filing of the PCR by September 25, 2024. The Lokayukta police in Mysuru had previously filed an FIR naming Siddaramaiah, his family, and others. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a case on October 1, 2024, launching an investigation under the PMLA.
The Lokayukta had submitted a closure report against CM Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvati, brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy, and landowner J. Devaraju.
The Karnataka High Court quashed the summons issued by the ED to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, B.M. Parvathi, and state Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh concerning the MUDA case on March 7.
Complainant Snehamayi Krishna lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of the Central Vigilance Committee (CVC) on March 12 against senior IPS officers within the Karnataka Lokayukta, questioning the clean chit given to the CM and his family.
The complainant also filed a writ petition with the Karnataka High Court's division bench, contesting the single bench's decision to quash his appeal for a CBI investigation into the MUDA case.
The ED filed an objection against the closure report on April 2, while petitioner Snehamayi Krishna presented a plea contesting the Lokayukta’s investigation.
The investigating agency, in its objections, affirmed: "The investigation conducted has unveiled illegalities in land acquisition, allotment, the generation of proceeds of crime, and the manipulation thereof, along with undue influence in the allotment process."
"The evidence gathered during the investigation under the PMLA, 2002, has been communicated to the Lokayukta police in Mysuru via letter. Currently, the Lokayukta has filed a report concerning this matter. A review of the report indicates that the evidence regarding illegalities in the denotification process of the 3 acres and 16 guntas of land at Survey number 464 of Kesare village has not been acknowledged in the report," the ED stated.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) confirmed on September 18 that their investigation into the MUDA scam has uncovered a widespread scam involving the allocation of MUDA sites, as detailed in an official release by the ED on Thursday.
The ED further mentioned that it has already seized 252 illegally allocated MUDA sites, valued at approximately Rs 400 crore.
The statement elaborated that the ED's investigation has disclosed extensive malpractice in the allocation of MUDA sites, which violated several statutes and government orders/guidelines through fraudulent methods.
Point of View
The developments in the MUDA case showcase a crucial intersection of accountability and governance. As high-profile figures are implicated, the court's insistence on a timely investigation reflects a commitment to uphold justice and transparency. It is imperative that the public remains informed and engaged as this case unfolds.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MUDA case about?
The MUDA case involves allegations of illegal allotment of sites in Mysuru to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, raising concerns about governance and accountability.
Who is the complainant in the MUDA case?
The complainant is activist Snehamayi Krishna, who has challenged the clean chit given to CM Siddaramaiah and his family.
What was the court's directive regarding the investigation?
The court ordered the Karnataka Lokayukta to complete the investigation within two months and rejected the demand to change the investigation officer.
When is the final report due?
The final report is due on November 15.
What are the implications of this case?
This case highlights issues of corruption and accountability within government, potentially impacting public trust in governance.
