Karnataka High Court Stalls Action Against Chief Minister in MUDA Scam
The Karnataka High Court has recently intervened in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam, stalling any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah until the next date of hearing on August 29. This decision comes after the Chief Minister challenged the Governor’s sanction for his prosecution in the alleged scam.
Image: Karnataka High Court
Background of the Case
The MUDA land allotment scam has been a contentious issue in Karnataka, with allegations of corruption and favoritism in the allocation of land. The Governor’s sanction for the Chief Minister’s prosecution has been a major development in the case, with the Chief Minister’s counsel arguing that the Governor did not provide sufficient reasons for the sanction.
Image: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Arguments Presented in Court
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Chief Minister, argued that the Governor’s sanction was not based on the merits of the case. He stated that the Governor is bound by a Cabinet decision in such cases, but instead issued a short two-page order without considering the merits of the case.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Governor, submitted that in such cases, there only needs to be an apprehension or suspicion of reasonable bias by the Cabinet in favor of the minister against whom sanction is sought.
Image: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot
Reactions to the Court’s Decision
The Chief Minister has welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it is a victory for the people of Karnataka. He has also lashed out at the BJP for demanding his resignation, calling their demands “reckless.”
Image: BJP logo
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to stall action against the Chief Minister in the MUDA scam is a significant development in the case. The court’s decision to hear the case on August 29 will be closely watched by all parties involved. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be and what implications it will have for the Chief Minister and the state of Karnataka.
