Karnataka HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA scam
What's the story
The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition seeking transfer of Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam investigation involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Justice M Nagaprasanna ruled the ongoing probe by Karnataka Lokayukta doesn't suffer from any questionable independence.
"The insulation of Lokayukta from external influence is already recognized by Supreme Court...There is no malady to direct CBI to investigate instead. CBI investigation is not a panacea to projected ills in petition," he said.
Unbiased probe
Court finds no bias in Lokayukta's investigation
The case revolves around corruption charges related to land given by MUDA to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi.
The complaint claimed Parvathi was given inflated compensation for land acquired and developed by MUDA.
This included 14 developed plots, much more valuable than the original land.
Activist Snehmayi Krishna, who filed the petition for a CBI probe, argued the Lokayukta Police may not conduct a fair investigation as it is state-affiliated.
Plea dismissal
Activist's plea for CBI probe dismissed
However, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, countered Section 7 of the Lokayukta Act empowers it to investigate public servants, including Chief Ministers.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Siddaramaiah also opposed Krishna's plea on similar grounds.
Singhvi stated that until the Lokayukta registered the first information report (FIR) on September 27, 2024, the complainant had equal faith in both the Lokayukta and the CBI.
"But within an hour of the FIR, he had a change of heart."
Denial
Siddaramaiah denies allegations of wrongdoing
"He now comes before this Court asking that his first prayer be ignored. How can that be done? He got what he wanted," Singhvi argued.
The Karnataka governor had earlier approved filing a corruption case against Siddaramaiah after activists complained.
Siddaramaiah continues to say the allegations are politically motivated and he has done nothing wrong.
He argued in court that the MUDA's decision to compensate his wife were taken by it independently, without his interference or influence.