In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to sanction his prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, who presided over the case, ruled that the Governor’s order “did apply his mind in abundance” and “does not suffer from non-application of mind.” Consequently, the court has cleared the way for legal proceedings against Siddaramaiah.
No Stay on High Court Order
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Chief Minister, requested a two-week stay on the ruling, which the judge rejected, stating that he could not stay his own order. With this dismissal, the lower court is now free to initiate legal proceedings against Siddaramaiah, which could include filing a First Information Report (FIR).
The case has added political pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with the BJP launching fresh demands for his resignation. The Karnataka High Court had previously directed the trial court to refrain from taking any action until its verdict, but with this decision, the investigation into Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the MUDA land scam will move forward.
BJP Demands Siddaramaiah’s Resignation
Following the court’s ruling, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) renewed its call for Siddaramaiah to step down. BY Vijayendra, the party’s Karnataka state unit president, urged the Chief Minister to “resign immediately, without further delay.”
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The BJP has accused the Congress government of corruption and insisted that the Governor’s decision, validated by the court, confirms their claims. “The High Court has clearly said the decision taken by the Governor is correct. Accepting this decision, the Chief Minister should resign immediately,” said Vijayendra.
Congress Alleges Political Conspiracy
In response to the ruling, Congress leaders have rallied behind Siddaramaiah. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, dismissing the ruling as a setback, alleged that the case was part of a “big conspiracy” against Siddaramaiah and Congress leadership. He expressed confidence in fighting the legal battle and obtaining justice, claiming there was no merit to the charges.
Siddaramaiah himself has argued that the Governor’s sanction for prosecution violates legal procedures, stating that the Governor did not consult the state government. He contended that the order is “fully reviewable” and expressed concern about the potential political consequences. Siddaramaiah has maintained that his 40-year political career is untarnished and expressed confidence in the judiciary.
The MUDA Land Scam Case
The alleged MUDA land scam revolves around the allotment of prime land to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, in an upscale area of Mysuru. Activists claim that the land, offered as compensation for land acquired elsewhere for infrastructure projects, was significantly undervalued, allegedly causing a loss of ₹45 crore to the government. The controversy deepened when another activist, Snehmayi Krishna, alleged that the land was illegally procured using forged documents.
The case came to the forefront when Governor Gehlot sanctioned Siddaramaiah’s prosecution in August 2024. Siddaramaiah’s petition, challenging this decision, was filed in the High Court shortly after.
Political Fallout
The ruling is expected to have political repercussions in Karnataka, with the opposition BJP likely to use the case to intensify its attack on the Congress government. The Congress, meanwhile, is expected to stand firmly behind Siddaramaiah as legal proceedings unfold.
