The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenging the prosecution order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. On Tuesday, a bench led by Justice M Nagaprasanna announced the ruling, upholding the Governor’s decision.
The bench affirmed that private complainants have the right to seek consent for prosecution and deemed the request for permission under Section 17(A) as appropriate. It also stated that the Governor’s actions in this matter were justified.
This ruling is expected to stir political tensions in the state. Anticipating the verdict, authorities heightened security measures around Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence and deployed two platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) to ensure safety.
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Siddaramaiah had sought interim relief from the court while contesting the Governor’s orders. Following the court’s decision against him, legal proceedings will now commence in a lower court, potentially leading to the filing of an FIR against the Chief Minister in connection with the MUDA case. This development may increase pressure on Siddaramaiah to resign.
In response to the High Court’s ruling, sources indicated that CM Siddaramaiah plans to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.
The High Court had concluded hearings on September 12 regarding the writ petition, with Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing Siddaramaiah and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Governor’s office.
However, the case stems from petitions filed by social activists Pradeep Kumar SP, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna, who alleged that Siddaramaiah misused his official position to forge documents related to 3.17 acres of land near Mysuru, resulting in the allocation of 14 sites from the MUDA in his wife’s name.
