MUDA case: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah files writ petition in HC, seeks quashing of Guv's sanction

Siddaramaiah challenged the August 16 order granting prior approval and sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 19 filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the order of the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot giving sanction for investigation against him in connection with irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

CM stated that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.

The controversy stems from allegations of corruption linked to the MUDA land case, in which Siddaramaiah's family has been accused of being involved.

Siddaramaiah strongly criticised the Governor's decision to grant permission to prosecute him in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land 'scam' case.

Addressing the media on August 17, CM condemned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's move, labelling it "totally unconstitutional" and politically motivated. He asserted that there is no valid case against him and vowed to fight the decision through legal channels.

"The decision taken by the Governor is totally unconstitutional. He has no authority. I will fight it out legally in a court of law because it is an illegal sanction given by the Governor," Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah challenged the August 16 order granting prior approval and sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

"The Hon’ble Governor’s decision is legally unsustainable, procedurally flawed, and motivated by extraneous considerations, and thus the Petitioner has preferred this Writ Petition seeking to quash the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 amongst other reliefs," he submitted.

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