Karnataka MUDA Scam Case: The Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed a writ petition filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who sought the transfer of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allocation case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision confirms that the case will now be investigated by the Lokayukta.
Verdict Brings Relief to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
The court’s decision is seen as a significant relief for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as the case involved allegations of irregularities in the illegal allocation of 14 sites by the MUDA to his wife, Parvati BM. The verdict follows last month’s court proceedings, during which all parties presented their arguments before the bench.
Despite the High Court’s ruling, activist Krishna remains resolute in his pursuit of a CBI inquiry. He announced his intention to appeal the decision before the Supreme Court.
Siddaramaiah welcomed the court’s verdict, stating, “I welcome the court’s verdict and will respect the judgment.”
Legal Arguments and Court Observations in MUDA scam
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that an accused individual does not have the right to determine the investigating agency. Countering this, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Chief Minister, contended that if the accused could not choose the agency, the petitioner should not have the right to do so either.
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Additionally, on January 27, the Karnataka High Court had issued an interim stay on the summons issued to Parvati BM by the Enforcement Directorate concerning the MUDA land allotment case.
State Government’s Reaction
State Home Minister G Parameshwar lauded the verdict, asserting that it affirms trust in independent investigative agencies. “It’s a big relief for the government and the Chief Minister. The High Court has also observed that independent agencies need not be doubted. We need to keep some faith in these institutions,” he said.
He further remarked, “I think there will be no more conversation about a change of Chief Minister in Karnataka after today.”
With this ruling, the case is set to proceed under the Lokayukta’s purview, marking a crucial development in Karnataka’s political and legal landscape.
