Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 5: The Karnataka high court’s division bench is set to review a fresh appeal challenging the single bench’s order quashing a petition for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, which allegedly involves chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Petitioner Snehamayi Krishna filed the appeal on Tuesday, amid the ongoing budget session, a critical time for CM Siddaramaiah, who is poised to present the state budget on March 7. The appeal seeks to overturn the single judge's February 7 order that dismissed the CBI investigation plea.

The petition requests the high court to grant appropriate relief to ensure justice and reserves the right to challenge the Lokayukta's closure report before the jurisdictional court. The Union government, the Karnataka state government, CBI officials, Lokayukta authorities, and local police officers have been named as respondents in the case.

Siddaramaiah is listed as respondent number 9, with his wife B M Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy, and landowner D Devaraju as respondents 10, 11, and 12 respectively. The petition also highlights that in the MUDA scam, Siddaramaiah is the prime accused, followed by his wife, brother-in-law, and Devaraju.

Filed under Section 4 of the Karnataka High Court Act, 1961, and Rule 27 of the High Court Writ Proceedings Rules 1977, the appeal was submitted through Vasantha Kumara and Associates, Bengaluru.

The appeal asserts that the single judge erred in framing questions not raised by the petitioner and failed to acknowledge substantial evidence suggesting Siddaramaiah misused his position for personal gains with the aid of family members and MUDA officials. It alleges the chief minister influenced state machinery, leading to a biased investigation that undermines public confidence.

The petition also outlines Siddaramaiah’s alleged history of misusing office, including aiding his son in securing a contract at BMRCI and de-notifying land acquired for the Arkavathy Layout project. Allegations of violating regulations to grant a mining license are also cited.

The petitioner argues that no investigative body has thoroughly examined these allegations and suggests the closure of cases against Siddaramaiah reflects his influence over the bureaucracy.

The petition emphasizes that the high court’s writ court had previously noted gaps in the chain of events that warranted at least an inquiry. The petitioner claims the awarding of compensation sites, allegedly favouring Siddaramaiah's wife, appeared prima facie illegal.

In a previous ruling, the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka high court, led by Justice M Nagaprasanna, had quashed the original petition seeking a CBI probe into the MUDA case. The court had reserved its verdict on January 27 and announced its decision on February 7, granting temporary relief to CM Siddaramaiah.

The new appeal brings fresh scrutiny to the controversial case, potentially adding pressure on the chief minister as he prepares for the budget presentation.