In a significant legal development, a Bengaluru court has directed the Lokayukta police to investigate Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over allegations of irregularities in the allotment of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) plots. The investigation was ordered following a special court directive, just one day after the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s approval for the probe.
Court Orders Lokayukta Investigation
On Wednesday, Special Court Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat instructed the Lokayukta police to proceed with an investigation under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which empowers magistrates to order inquiries into cognizable offenses. The Lokayukta police have been directed to submit their investigation report by December 24, 2024.
Siddaramaiah Responds: “I Am Not Afraid of a Probe”
Responding to the court’s order, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
“Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. “I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday, and I am reiterating it today as well.”
High Court Upholds Governor’s Sanction
The Karnataka High Court recently dismissed Siddaramaiah’s plea challenging the Governor’s order. On August 16, Governor Gehlot had sanctioned an inquiry under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The sanction was based on complaints filed by activists Pradeep Kumar S P, T J Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna, who accused the chief minister of benefiting from the illegal allocation of high-value MUDA plots.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who presided over the case, affirmed the Governor’s decision, citing it as an exceptional case where independent gubernatorial discretion was appropriate. “No fault can be found with the Governor exercising independent discretion,” the Judge noted, adding that the Governor’s decision showed an “abundance of application of mind.”
Opposition Demands Siddaramaiah’s Resignation
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly responded to the high court ruling, calling for Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
“The high court has validated the action of the governor. The BJP demands that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tender his resignation and make way for a free and independent investigation into the allegations of shameful corruption,” senior BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar said during a press conference in New Delhi.
Siddaramaiah Rejects Opposition Demands
Siddaramaiah has strongly refuted the allegations, characterizing the case as politically motivated. He dismissed the opposition’s calls for resignation, stating, “Why should I resign? Has H D Kumaraswamy resigned? He is on bail, ask him…. it is only said that an inquiry needs to be done. At the inquiry stage itself, resignation is sought. I will answer them…We will face them politically because it is a conspiracy.”
Political Impact
As the investigation unfolds, the case could have significant political repercussions in Karnataka. The BJP is likely to continue pressuring Siddaramaiah to step down, while the chief minister remains steadfast in his assertion of innocence. The probe, ordered just ahead of crucial elections, could play a major role in shaping public opinion in the state.
Conclusion
With the Lokayukta police now tasked with investigating the MUDA case, all eyes will be on the December 24 deadline. As the probe progresses, the political climate in Karnataka is expected to remain tense, with both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP closely monitoring developments.
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