Karnataka High Court Delays Inquiry in MUDA Land Allegation Case

The Karnataka High Court heard petitions challenging the Governor's sanction for investigation in the MUDA case. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others appealed in connection with alleged illegal land acquisition. The Court adjourned the case to July, following a lawyer's request to reschedule the inquiry, initially set for August.

A division bench of the Karnataka High Court on Monday considered petitions filed by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others contesting the court's decision to uphold Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval for probing the MUDA land allegations. Justices Anu Sivaraman and T. Venkatesh Naik oversaw the hearing, where Siddaramaiah's legal team requested a deferment of the inquiry planned for August.

The bench questioned, "Should we indefinitely postpone the inquiry?" Advocate Aditya Narayanan, representing landowner J Devaraju, suggested rescheduling to the third week of July. The High Court accepted this proposal, adjourning the proceedings accordingly.

Allegations had surfaced against Siddaramaiah's family for purportedly acquiring 3 acres and 16 gunte of land in Mysore's Kesare village, allotting 14 plots valued at approximately 56 crores. Accusations claim Siddaramaiah abused his authority, prompting Snehamayi Krishna to lodge a complaint with the Mysore Lokayukta Police for an investigation on July 3, 2024.

Subsequently, Snehamayi Krishna sought gubernatorial consent for prosecuting the case in June-July 2024. The Governor authorized the probe on August 17. Siddaramaiah's appeal, rejected on August 19, led to a mandated police investigation on September 24, 2024. However, the Lokayukta police's B report cleared Siddaramaiah and his family, which a special court endorsed. (ANI)