Bengaluru: In a significant legal victory for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court’s Dharwad Bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, dismissed a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
The verdict, delivered on Friday, provides relief to the Chief Minister and his wife, B.M. Parvathi, who were named as the first and second accused in the case, respectively.
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Court Reserves Verdict, Dismisses Petition
The High Court had reserved its judgment on January 27, 2025, after hearing arguments from both the petitioner and respondents.
The case, brought forward by Snehamayi Krishna, accused Siddaramaiah of misusing his political influence to secure compensation for 14 sites in his wife’s name in exchange for 3 acres and 16 guntas of land acquired by MUDA.
The petitioner had objected to the Karnataka Lokayukta’s ongoing investigation and instead demanded a CBI inquiry. However, the court ruled against this plea, allowing the Lokayukta to continue its probe and submit a further report.
Petitioner’s Response and Future Legal Action
Following the ruling, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna called the judgment a “temporary setback” and confirmed that an appeal would be filed once the official order sheet was available.
Krishna’s legal team has hinted at approaching the Supreme Court if necessary, arguing that an independent central agency should handle the case due to the involvement of high-ranking government officials.
- Also Read | Karnataka High Court to Deliver Judgment on Plea for CBI Probe Against CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Case
Legal Arguments in Court
The hearing saw intense legal debates, with six prominent lawyers arguing the case, citing Supreme Court precedents and legal frameworks governing investigations of political figures.
Arguments in Favor of a CBI Probe:
- Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, representing the petitioner, insisted that an independent CBI probe was imperative for transparency and justice.
- Singh claimed that the Karnataka government was shielding CM Siddaramaiah, preventing a fair investigation.
- He contended that the Lokayukta probe lacked credibility, as it functions under the state’s control.
Arguments Against a CBI Probe:
- Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Siddaramaiah, countered that the petitioner had initially requested a Lokayukta probe but later demanded a CBI inquiry before the Lokayukta could complete its investigation.
- He pointed out that the CBI also operates under government control, while the Lokayukta remains an independent watchdog.
- Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that this was not a “rarest of rare” case that warranted a CBI investigation.
- He warned that granting such petitions could set a dangerous legal precedent, encouraging politically motivated cases against elected leaders.
- Senior Counsel Dushyant Dave, representing landowner J. Devaraju (the fourth accused), dismissed the petition as an attempt to embarrass the Chief Minister rather than a legitimate legal pursuit.
- Dave further alleged that the petitioner concealed key revenue department documents proving Devaraju’s legal ownership of the land in question.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) Enters the Scene
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated its own probe into the MUDA case. The agency has issued summons to B.M. Parvathi and Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, seeking their presence for questioning.
- The ED summoned Parvathi to appear before officials on January 28, 2025.
- Minister Byrathi Suresh was also ordered to appear before the agency for questioning.
- Both individuals have challenged the ED’s summons in the Karnataka High Court, arguing that the notices were issued without clear justification.
- The High Court has granted them temporary relief, questioning the urgency and rationale behind the ED’s sudden interest in the case.
Political and Legal Implications
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to quash the CBI probe plea is a major legal win for CM Siddaramaiah, but the MUDA controversy is far from over. With the Lokayukta investigation still ongoing and the ED now involved, the case is expected to remain a significant issue in Karnataka’s political landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- The Karnataka High Court dismissed the petition seeking a CBI probe against CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case.
- The Lokayukta investigation will continue, with the court instructing it to submit further reports.
- The petitioner plans to challenge the decision, possibly escalating the case to the Supreme Court.
- The ED has issued summons to CM Siddaramaiah’s wife and a cabinet minister, adding another layer of scrutiny.
- Political analysts believe the case could have long-term electoral and legal consequences in Karnataka.