A special court for people’s representatives in Bengaluru on Tuesday postponed its decision on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition challenging the Lokayukta police’s ‘B Report’, which had cleared Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of wrongdoing in the controversial Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case.
The Lokayukta police had earlier filed the ‘B Report’ — effectively a closure statement — concluding there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Siddaramaiah. However, both the Enforcement Directorate and activist Snehamaayi Krishna, the original complainant, contested the findings, calling for a more exhaustive probe into the alleged irregularities.
Court Wants Wider Probe, Next Hearing Set for May 7
During today’s proceedings, Special Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat clarified that a final ruling on the validity of the ‘B Report’ would be made only after the Lokayukta police submit a comprehensive investigation report. The court granted the Lokayukta permission to continue its inquiry and has scheduled the next hearing for May 7, 2025.
The judge also directed that the investigation should not be limited to just Siddaramaiah and three others, as listed in the initial report. Instead, the court instructed the Lokayukta police to examine all individuals potentially involved in the alleged land allotment irregularities.
Background: The MUDA Land Allotment Controversy
The case stems from allegations of favoritism and misuse of power linked to the allotment of residential sites by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). According to the complaint filed by activist Snehamaayi Krishna, the sites were allocated in violation of established norms, with the alleged beneficiaries including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s family members and close associates.
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The Lokayukta’s initial inquiry reportedly found no prosecutable evidence against Siddaramaiah. However, the ED and Krishna have accused the police of conducting a superficial probe, claiming that critical leads were ignored and important records overlooked.
Political Fallout and Legal Ramifications
The case has reignited political tension in Karnataka, where opposition parties have accused Siddaramaiah’s government of shielding high-profile politicians from legal accountability. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already seized on the issue, framing it as yet another instance of corruption and misuse of office under the Congress-led state administration.
If the court sides with the ED and complainant and rejects the ‘B Report’, Siddaramaiah could face intensified legal scrutiny — a scenario that would likely dominate Karnataka’s political narrative ahead of upcoming local body elections.
Lokayukta police will now conduct an expanded probe into the MUDA land allotment case. The court will reconvene on May 7 to review the fresh findings and decide on the status of the contested ‘B Report’.
This development marks a significant turn in a case that has the potential to cast a long shadow over Siddaramaiah’s political career and the governance record of the Karnataka government.
