HC extends relief for CM for two more days in MUDA site allotment case

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday extended the relief for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a case of alleged illegal allotment of plots to his wife in Mysuru by restraining a lower court in Bengaluru from proceeding in the matter for two more days.

Justice M Nagaprasanna posted the case for further hearing for August 31, Saturday, after Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the senior advocate appearing for the CM, concluded his arguments in the case.

The High Court is hearing a writ petition filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the August 16 order of governor Thawarchand Gehlot granting permission for his prosecution.


Singhvi argued that the Governor acted in haste and without application of mind, violating the principles of natural justice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Governor virtually. He will make his submissions before the court on Saturday.

The Governor would make written submissions, if needed, later, the counsel informed the court.

A special court designated for trying cases against people’s representatives had posted for orders on August 20 a private complaint filed against the CM. The case in the special court will now hinge on the outcome of the CM’s writ petition in the high court.

The case relates to the allotment of 14 pricey plots to Siddaramaiah’s wife in an upscale residential area in Mysuru in return for 3.16 acres of land that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority acquired at Kesare village on the city outskirts.

In a 47-page petition, the CM sought quashing of the governor’s permission for prosecution granted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and a stay in the interim, and other directions the court might find appropriate in the case.

The governor's order came in response to requests from activists TJ Abraham, Pradeep Kumar SP and Snehamayi Krishna. The governor issued a seven-page order highlighting the complaint and the grounds for his decision to permit prosecution of the CM.

The Congress has planned a Raj Bhavan March on Saturday to press for sanction of prosecution of Union heavy industries and steel minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining lease case, among others. Chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar will lead the protest march.