Karnataka HC Intervenes: Stunning Halt on Complaints Against CM Siddaramaiah Before Special Court
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has disputed the legality of a probe authorization granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, concerning alleged illegal site allocations by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to his wife. In a temporary relief for Mr. Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court ordered a Bengaluru special court to defer proceedings on the complaints until further notice. Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued this interim order after Mr. Siddaramaiah questioned the Governor’s sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The complaints, filed by social activists Pradeep Kumar S.P. and T.J. Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna, allege irregularities in the MUDA site allotments. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Mr. Siddaramaiah, argued that the Governor’s decision was arbitrary and lacked reasoning, as it ignored the Cabinet’s advice and the detailed responses submitted by the Chief Secretary and the Cabinet. Furthermore, the petition claimed that Mr. Siddaramaiah was unaware of the applications filed by other activists, with the Governor acting hastily and selectively.
Solicitor-General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Governor, clarified that no other sanction applications were pending and that the Governor had only permitted investigation. Mr. Singhvi contended that such sanction should be requested by a police officer and not by individuals with vested interests. The High Court’s interim order aims to prevent any precipitative actions by the special court until further hearings on August 29.
This development highlights the ongoing legal tussle and raises questions about procedural fairness and the selective urgency shown in granting sanctions for investigations.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/chief-minister-siddaramaiah-moves-karnataka-high-court-against-sanction-granted-by-governor-for-his-prosecution-in-muda-scam/article68541939.ece
Category :
Tags:
