BENGALURU: In a significant legal setback for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a special court on Wednesday ordered to register FIR against him. On Tuesday the High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction to prosecute him in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Following the ruling, the Special Court for People’s Representatives has directed the Lokayukta Police in Mysore to investigate the allegations under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and submit a report within six weeks. This development places the Chief Minister in a precarious position as his political career faces renewed scrutiny.
The Special People’s Court acted upon private complaints filed by social activists Snehamai Krishna and TJ Abraham, who had sought an inquiry into CM Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the MUDA scam. The controversy centers on allegations that Siddaramaiah misused his position to illegally allot prime plots of land under the authority’s jurisdiction.
Siddaramaiah had previously challenged the Governor’s order allowing his prosecution in the High Court, leading to a temporary stay on any further action by the Special Court. However, with the High Court upholding the Governor’s decision on Tuesday, the Special Court swiftly moved forward, directing the Lokayukta Police to investigate the case and potentially file an FIR.
As per Section 156(3) of the CrPC, once a court orders an investigation, an FIR is typically registered against the accused. Should an FIR be lodged, it would be a major blemish on Siddaramaiah’s four-decade-long political career. The responsibility for investigating the case now rests with the Mysore Lokayukta Police, who possess the authority to arrest the Chief Minister if necessary, pending the results of their inquiry.
This legal development could significantly impact Siddaramaiah’s political standing, especially if the investigation leads to an arrest or formal charges. The situation has escalated into a major political crisis, with opposition leaders demanding his resignation.
Opposition workers stage protest
The MUDA case has given the opposition parties, particularly the BJP and JDS, a powerful weapon to use against the Chief Minister. Both parties have staged protests across Karnataka, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation in light of the court-ordered investigation. On Wednesday, BJP and JDS activists held demonstrations in Yadagiri, Chikkamagalur, and Bengaluru, where they attempted to besiege the CM’s residence.
The BJP, emboldened by the High Court’s judgment, has taken an aggressive stance, with state party leaders like BY Vijayendra calling for Siddaramaiah to step down immediately on moral grounds. JDS leaders, too, have joined the fray, staging protests at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park and filing a formal complaint with the Mysore Lokayukta SP to ensure that an FIR is filed against the Chief Minister.
With political pressure building, Siddaramaiah faces mounting calls for his resignation, with the opposition framing the court’s decision as a blow to his moral authority to continue in office. The BJP and JDS are expected to keep up their protests and capitalize on the issue, which has the potential to dominate Karnataka’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
For Siddaramaiah, the MUDA case is a serious challenge that threatens his tenure as Chief Minister. The possibility of an FIR, coupled with increasing protests from opposition parties, has cast a shadow over his administration. The political and legal ramifications of this case are far from over, and it remains to be seen how the investigation unfolds and what impact it will have on Siddaramaiah’s future as Karnataka’s Chief Minister.
