Justice M Nagaprasanna prolonged the previous stay order until August 31, Saturday, when the case will be heard next.
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday extended the interim stay on the trial court proceedings against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah related to the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
Justice M Nagaprasanna prolonged the previous stay order until August 31, Saturday, when the case will be heard next.
The Court was hearing a challenge to the Governor’s decision to grant prosecution sanction against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for alleged irregularities in land allocation by MUDA.
Senior Advocate Dr. AM Singhvi, representing CM Siddaramaiah, argued that the Governor should have exercised more restraint.
“People like the Governor should show restraint. Anyone can approach him for sanction, and he readily grants it,”
Singhvi stated.
He argued that the Governor’s sanction was unreasoned, displayed a lack of proper consideration, and violated principles of natural justice.
“My position is that this sanction must be revoked. While I cannot predict future actions, this sanction should be annulled,”
Singhvi insisted.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta is representing the Governor in the High Court. Although Mehta was not physically present, he joined the proceedings virtually.
His associate counsel informed the Bench that the Governor would not submit a formal response to Siddaramaiah’s petition but would assist the Court with written submissions if necessary after Singhvi concludes his arguments.
Meanwhile, Singhvi criticized the counter-affidavits submitted by other respondents (complainants), noting they were filled with factual details as if the matter were a criminal trial. He clarified that the validity of the sanction should be based on the arguments of the applicant and the Governor, not on the facts presented by the respondents.
Singhvi finished his submissions but reserved the right to reply after the respondents present their arguments.
The case is scheduled for the next hearing on August 31, when SG Mehta is expected to present submissions on behalf of the Governor.
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh will also argue for one of the complainants.
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot had granted sanction to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah on August 17 following private complaints by social activists TJ Abraham, Snehamai Krishna, and Pradeep Kumar SP.
Reports indicate that the case involves allegations of irregularities in the allocation of around 14 plots of land in Mysuru to Siddaramaiah’s wife by MUDA.
Siddaramaiah sought relief from the High Court soon after the Governor’s decision, arguing that it was an attempt to undermine his government.
After preliminary hearings, on August 19, Justice Nagaprasanna instructed the trial court to temporarily defer proceedings against CM Siddaramaiah while the High Court reaches a final decision on his plea.
WHAT IS MUDA SCAM?
The MUDA land scam involves allegations by social activists that 14 premium plots in Mysuru were unlawfully allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife as compensation for acquired land, resulting in a loss of Rs 45 crore to the state treasury.
The land in question, a 3.16-acre parcel in Kesare village, was originally owned by another party but was transferred to Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, in 2005. Activists claim Mallikarjuna illegally acquired the land in 2004 using forged documents, though it was officially recorded as purchased in 1998.
In 2014, while Siddaramaiah was the chief minister, his wife Parvathi sought compensation for the land under MUDA’s 50:50 scheme, which grants 50% developed land to those who lose undeveloped land due to acquisitions. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approved Siddaramaiah’s prosecution by the Lokayukta following petitions from activists TJ Abraham, Pradeep Kumar, and Snehamayi Krishna.
Earlier, the Governor had issued a show-cause notice to Siddaramaiah questioning why he should not be prosecuted, but the state government recommended withdrawing the notice. Siddaramaiah has denied the charges, labeling them politically driven and stating that his wife received proper compensation during the BJP’s rule.
