In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications in Karnataka, the High Court of Karnataka on July 10 ordered that a formal notice be issued to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvati Siddaramaiah, in connection with the high-profile Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam.
The Division Bench comprising Justices V. Kameshwara Rao and C.M. Joshi passed this order while hearing an appeal filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna. The activist has sought a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the controversial allotment of 14 residential plots by MUDA to the Chief Minister’s wife.
The court’s direction came after it was brought to its attention that notices had not yet been served to the confidential respondents in the case, including Parvati Siddaramaiah. Taking note of this, the Bench directed the authorities concerned to ensure that notices are duly served to all the respondents who have remained out of the loop so far. The matter has now been adjourned for further hearing to September 4.
Allegations that shook the state
The MUDA site allotment issue has been a simmering controversy in Karnataka’s political circles for several months now. The core of the allegation is that MUDA, which oversees residential site allotments in Mysuru, allotted 14 prime plots in an allegedly irregular manner to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife. The complaint, filed by Snehamayi Krishna, alleges that the allotments violated norms and resulted in a significant loss to the state exchequer.
The social activist initially approached the Lokayukta demanding an independent probe into what he described as a blatant abuse of power and misuse of government machinery to benefit the Chief Minister’s family. With no substantial progress from the Lokayukta’s end, Krishna then approached the High Court seeking a CBI probe, arguing that only an independent central agency could impartially investigate allegations involving the state’s top executive.
Political tremors in the Congress camp
The fresh notice has reignited a political storm in Karnataka, where the Congress government is already facing multiple allegations of irregularities in various sectors. Opposition parties have wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to corner CM Siddaramaiah, who has so far vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
BJP leaders have alleged that the MUDA scam is yet another example of deep-rooted corruption under the Congress regime in the state. Several BJP spokespersons have demanded that the Chief Minister step down on moral grounds until his wife is cleared of all charges. At the same time, JD(S) leaders have also demanded an impartial probe without political interference.
Speaking to reporters outside the High Court, Snehamayi Krishna said, “This is not just about 14 sites. This is about how public institutions are being misused to benefit a few. I have faith that the High Court’s intervention will ensure a free and fair investigation.”
Previous denials and counterclaims
The Chief Minister has repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming that the entire controversy is politically motivated. His office has maintained that the sites in question were allocated in accordance with the rules and that there was no violation of any legal provisions. However, with the High Court stepping in to ensure that due legal process is followed, the issue has once again come into sharp public focus.
Legal experts say that the notice itself does not imply guilt but rather marks a crucial step in ensuring that all respondents have the opportunity to present their side before the court.
As per the court’s direction, notices are to be served to all the respondents who have not yet received them. MUDA officials, who are also respondents in the case, are expected to submit detailed records of the allotments during the next hearing. The High Court’s decision on whether to hand over the probe to the CBI will be closely watched, given its potential impact on Karnataka’s political landscape.
The next hearing, scheduled for September 4, is expected to feature heated arguments from all sides, with the opposition poised to escalate its attack both inside and outside the assembly.
