Karnataka withdraws consent to CBI to probe cases in state amid MUDA row

The Karnataka government says the decision is not because of the MUDA case

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday withdrew consent for any probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the state.

“We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. That’s why we are taking the decision. It's not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this decision to control them (CBI) from taking the wrong path,” said Law Minister H K Patil.

Revocation of open consent means the CBI, as listed in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which governs the agency, requires state governments' written consent for investigations.  According to section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) needs consent from the respective state governments to conduct investigations in their jurisdiction.

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil says, "We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They pic.twitter.com/ZsQnnBcirb
ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024

Even in the cases that the state government had given to CBI or the agency had taken up, in several of them chargesheets were not filed, Patil said. "They (CBI) refused to file chargesheets, they refused to probe umpteen number of mining cases."

Asked whether the government has done this keeping in mind the demand for CBI probe into Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation fund misappropriation case by the BJP, the minister said: "It has nothing to do with it as the matter is in court, the court will decide."

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the approval given by Governor Taawarchand Gehlot for conducting a CBI investigation against him in the alleged illegalities in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

"I said this yesterday and am repeating it now. There is no question of fearing investigation. I have decided to face it all," said Siddaramaiah in his statement, adding that he would consult legal experts to plan a course of action.

(With inputs from PTI)