Bengaluru: In a huge setback to Karnataka’s 15-month-old Congress govt, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot Saturday granted sanction for the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (Muda) land allotment scam.
The decision sparked immediate demands from opposition BJP-JD(S) for Siddaramaiah’s resignation on moral grounds, sending Congress high command into a tizzy.
Reacting to the governor’s move, Siddaramaiah said: “He (governor) has no authority, he has no jurisdiction, it is totally unconstitutional,” adding that he would “fight it out in the court of law”.
The governor’s sanction, granted under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, followed petitions from activists Pradeep Kumar SP, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna.
Justifying his action, Gehlot asserted the need for a neutral, objective, and non-partisan investigation. He affirmed that the allegations and supporting materials revealed the commission of offences.
In the wake of this rather unnerving development for the governing party and the govt, the Cabinet convened on Saturday evening and condemned the governor’s decision, vowing to challenge it legally and politically.
The petitioners are now expected to move the court next week. Abraham, one of the complainants, said he would approach the special court for public representatives to request it to take cognizance of the governor’s sanction.
“We will request the judge to take cognizance of it or refer it under Section 156(3) of CrPC. I will do it on Wednesday,” Abraham said.
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The governor's sanction for the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah sparked debate about its scope, focusing on whether it permits investigation or prosecution. Legal experts differed on the interpretation of Sections 17A and 218. Revenue Minister Byregowda suggested a misuse of power, while advocate BV Acharya and activist TJ Abraham offered counterpoints on procedural requirements and legal norms.
Siddaramaiah has option of challenging in court governor's sanction for prosecution
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had the legal option to contest the governor's decision by petitioning the Karnataka High Court. If the High Court dismissed it, he could escalate to the Supreme Court. Despite the sanction and legal battles, Congress support made his resignation unlikely. The special court's outcome would be crucial in this ongoing process.
Karnataka governor approves CM Siddaramaiah's prosecution in MUDA scam
Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approved the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scandal. The approval followed a petition by activist TJ Abraham addressing land allotment to Siddaramiah's wife. Despite Siddaramiah's confidence in legal compliance, the alleged misuse of the MUDA scheme is under scrutiny.
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