Did a one-man judicial commission truly exonerate K'taka CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case?
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Synopsis
A one-man judicial commission has cleared Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family in the MUDA case. This development raises questions about accountability and governance in Karnataka's political landscape. The report, while exonerating the CM, points to systemic issues within the MUDA, suggesting a deeper investigation is warranted.
Key Takeaways
- Judicial commission clears CM Siddaramaiah.
- Allegations against family deemed baseless.
- Report suggests actions against MUDA officials.
- Previous closure report cited lack of evidence.
- Calls for further scrutiny of MUDA practices.
Bengaluru, Sep 4 (NationPress) A judicial commission led by P.N. Desai has cleared Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family of any wrongdoing in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
The announcement was made by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil following a Cabinet meeting.
In a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Minister Patil remarked: "A one-man commission under Justice P.N. Desai was formed, and it has delivered its findings in two parts. The report confirms that the allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family are unfounded in relation to the MUDA case."
Nonetheless, the report has suggested various actions against certain officials, which the government has agreed to.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was identified as the main accused in the MUDA case, with his wife, Parvati, listed as the second accused and his brother-in-law, Mallikarjunaswamy, as the third. The landowner, J. Devaraju, is the fourth accused.
Previously, the Karnataka Lokayukta had closed the case, citing insufficient evidence against them.
The MUDA scam pertains to the alleged unlawful allocation of 14 plots to CM Siddaramaiah’s family. The investigations are conducted by both the Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Activist Snehamayi Krishna has petitioned the High Court for a CBI inquiry, while CM Siddaramaiah has sought to dismiss the proceedings against him.
The report's findings indicate: "Regarding the use of de-notified land in survey number 464 of Kesare village, the landowner demanded alternative undeveloped land as compensation, and while a resolution was passed in 2017, it remains unexecuted. In 2022, sites were distributed in a 50:50 ratio as one of the payment methods, similar to others."
"The allocation of sites as compensation to landowners whose properties were de-notified but used by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), including lands in survey numbers 115/22 and 115/42 of Kergalli village and the land in survey number 464 of Kesare village, cannot be deemed illegal.
"Consequently, the procedures employed by the authority for compensating with sites in cases of utilizing de-notified lands cannot be classified as unlawful since MUDA lacks any title and lawful possession of the de-notified land," the report clarified.
"The MUDA commissioners have neglected to form layouts and allot sites according to the KUDA Act. Commissioners active between 2020 and 2024 have arbitrarily and unlawfully assigned sites based on their preferences. Alternative site allotments have violated Rule 16 of the 1991 regulations. There seems to be a scam involving the provision of alternative sites with unjustifiable justifications," the report concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this update with an unbiased lens. The findings of the judicial commission have cleared CM Siddaramaiah of legal wrongdoing; however, the accompanying report raises significant concerns regarding governance practices within MUDA. It invites scrutiny and demands accountability for the procedural lapses identified. The situation underscores the need for transparency and integrity in public office, ensuring that the public's trust is maintained.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MUDA case about?
The MUDA case involves allegations of illegal allotment of land to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s family, prompting investigations by the Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate.
Who headed the judicial commission?
The one-man judicial commission was led by Justice P.N. Desai.
What were the findings of the commission?
The commission found the allegations against CM Siddaramaiah and his family to be baseless but recommended actions against some officials.
What actions might follow this report?
The government has accepted the report, which could lead to disciplinary actions against certain MUDA officials involved in the alleged irregularities.
What is the significance of this report?
The report's findings may impact public perception of governance in Karnataka and could lead to calls for further investigations into land allocation practices.
