Probe against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA land scam case
Governor’s order upheld by the High Court
Bengaluru (Karnataka) – The Karnataka High Court has rejected a petition filed by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenging the Governor’s order in the ‘Mysuru Urban Development Authority’ (MUDA) land scam case and granted permission to proceed with the probe against Siddaramaiah. The Court has upheld the Governor’s order for the probe, clearing the way for a criminal case to be filed against Siddaramaiah.
Earlier, on 12th September 2024, the High Court had reserved its judgment on completion of the hearing. On 24th September 2024, while delivering the verdict, Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated that there was a need to investigate the allegations mentioned in the petition. As per the law, the Governor can allow probe. There is no fault in the Governor’s actions. T. J. Abraham had filed a complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the MUDA land scam.
BJP’s political conspiracy : Congress alleges
Karnataka Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said, “This is a political conspiracy by the BJP. The question of the Chief Minister resigning does not arise. He has done nothing wrong and is not involved in any scam. We stand firmly with him. He is doing good work for the country, the party, and the State.”
What is the ‘MUDA’ land scam ?
In 2021, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvati, was a beneficiary of the ’50:50 Land Distribution Scheme’ under the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Under this scheme, MUDA was authorised to acquire any land to develop residential complexes. The rule stated that in exchange for land acquisition, 50% of the developed land would be given to the original owners. Allegedly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvati, and their relatives colluded with MUDA officials and submitted forged documents to obtain valuable plots under the scheme. This scam was exposed by an RTI (Right to Information) activist.