Petition seeking CBI probe into MUDA scam: HC asks Lokayukta for details of probe against CM

Case posted on November 26

Bengaluru/Mysuru: The High Court of Karnataka this morning, Mysuru Police directed Lokayukta to submit a progress report on their ongoing investigation into Mysuru Urban Development Authority’s (MUDA) allotment of 14 sites in Vijayanagar to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife BM Parvathi as compensation for her 3.16 hectare land in Kesare.

The directive came during a hearing on a petition by social activist Snehamayi Krishna, who is seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. Krishna filed the petition on September 27.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna ordered the Lokayukta police to present their findings before November 26, the date of the next hearing.

The Court has specifically asked the Lokayukta to announce the progress of the investigation till November 24.

The Court also issued notices to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, other co-accused (CM’s wife Parvathi, brother-in-law BM Mallikarjunaswamy and landowner J. Devaraju) and both the Union and State governments, seeking their response to the petition’s call for a CBI -research.

In his argument, Snehamayi Krishna expressed concern that the Lokayukta, being a state-controlled body, might not be able to conduct an impartial investigation as the matter concerns the CM.

Senior advocate KG Raghavan, representing Krishna, argued that the investigation should be handled in a manner that promotes public confidence and expressed skepticism over the Lokayukta’s ability to ensure impartiality.

Raghavan further highlighted the petitioner’s contention that Siddaramaiah, as the incumbent chief minister, has considerable influence over state departments and investigative agencies such as the police and Lokayukta.

“Given these circumstances, any investigation by these agencies could be impartial,” Snehamayi Krishna stated, pointing to statements made by Siddaramaiah in which he affirmed the support of his party high command and the support of his ministerial colleagues in the matter – a position that has been extensively is discussed in the media.

Lawyer Raghavan argued that institutional integrity is crucial when investigating constitutional officers, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in several judgments. He emphasized that an investigation into allegations against a sitting prime minister requires an agency that is both independent and publicly credible.

“The investigation must not only be fair but also be perceived as fair to restore confidence in the people of Karnataka,” Raghavan argued, underscoring the need for transparency and neutrality.