The Karnataka High Court has provided interim relief to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA land scam case.
The Court directed the trial court to defer further proceedings till August 29th, when it will continue hearing the matter. CM Siddaramaiah has challenged the Governor’s sanction to prosecute him, calling it “illegal” and harming his reputation.
During Monday’s hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued before the Court that the Governor hurriedly passed the order, within a day of receiving the complaint in July. He highlighted multiple discrepancies and the lack of reasons provided for sanction.
Singhvi pointed out that 12-15 other pending complaints were ignored, questioning why only this one was picked. He claimed it reeked of “legal malice” and was aimed at destabilizing the elected state government.
The Court took note of the petitioner’s arguments that the order was passed without due application of mind. It also noted Siddaramaiah’s submission that the Governor sanctioned prosecution at “breakneck” speed.
The alleged scam pertains to the allotment of alternate land as compensation in Mysuru to the Chief Minister’s wife. Critics argue the compensation value exceeded the acquired land value by ₹4000-5000 crores.
One complaint filed by activist TJ Abraham accused Siddaramaiah, his family, and MUDA officials of illegal allotment causing ₹45 crore loss. With the interim relief, the judicial examination of the sanction order will continue on August 29th.
