In a significant development, the Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru has approved an investigation by the Lokayukta against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat issued the order, directing the Superintendent of Lokayukta in Mysuru to conduct the probe and submit a report within three months, by December 24.
The investigation will proceed under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners, had previously filed a private complaint regarding the MUDA case. Following the court’s ruling, an FIR will be registered against Siddaramaiah, granting the investigating officer the authority to question and potentially arrest him.
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Krishna had also sought permission for prosecution from the Governor, which was upheld by the Karnataka High Court. On Wednesday, she presented the High Court’s order to the Special Court.
Laxmi Iyengar, a senior counsel representing Krishna, described this decision as a crucial first step, emphasizing the court’s directive to register the FIR and commence the investigation.
The Special Court noted that the High Court had affirmed Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s decision to permit prosecution in the MUDA case. It further stated that Siddaramaiah should not shy away from the investigation. The petitioner alleged that during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Leader of the Opposition, he made key decisions related to land allotments that benefitted his family.
The court highlighted allegations concerning a land transaction involving one Devaraju, who was not the rightful owner of the land. It was reported that the de-notification of the land was executed in Devaraju’s name, with the purchase facilitated by Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law.