Karnataka High Court upholds governor's sanction to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's plea challenging the Governor's sanction to prosecute him in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated that the complaint required investigation and upheld the Governor’s authority to grant approval for prosecution.
The court also noted that it is the complainants' duty to seek approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Governor has the discretion to take an independent decision.
The Judge said, “The facts narrated in the petition need investigation,” and dismissed the plea.
The interim order from August 19, which had deferred proceedings against the CM in the trial court, was also dissolved. The court refused to stay the operation of this order, with a detailed copy of the judgment expected by 2:30 p.m.
Siddaramaiah’s plea sought to quash Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to sanction his prosecution in connection with a multi-crore scam involving MUDA. The CM’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the Governor’s sanction was issued without due reasoning and violated statutory mandates, including Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, which requires the Governor to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Governor's office, defended the sanction, asserting that it was granted after a thorough review and that natural justice principles were not applicable at this stage of the investigation.
The petition pertained to the Governor's August 17 sanction for investigation and prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
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Supriya Sule vows to rebuild NCP (SP) with renewed commitment
Mumbai, Nov 24: Senior NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said on Sunday that her party, which won 10 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, respects people’s mandate and pledged to work towards a capable, inclusive and progressive state.
In a statement on X, the Baramati MP promised to rebuild their party and said it would move forward with determination despite its dismal show. Her party and its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) collectively bagged only 46 of the state’s 288 assembly seats.
“We respect and humbly accept the verdict of the people in the assembly elections. This result is a moment for deep reflection and renewal. We will introspect, learn, and rebuild with honesty, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to the values we stand for,” Sule wrote.
She stressed that her party was committed to creating a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra.
“Our vision of a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra remains unchanged. We reaffirm our pledge to fight for the rights, dignity, and self-respect of farmers, workers, women, youth, and every marginalised section of society,” Sule stated.
Sule said that her party will continue to carry forward the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and social reformers like Jyotiba Phule. “We are determined to carry forward the timeless ideals of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar with renewed energy and purpose,” she wrote on the social media platform.
Sule congratulated those who had won in the elections. “We hope you will serve Maharashtra with dedication and prioritise the welfare of every citizen,” she said.
The MP, the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, expressed gratitude to the voters, party workers, their MVA allies and the authorities for facilitating the elections.
“A heartfelt thank you to all voters, the diligent workers and leaders of NCP (SP), our Maha Vikas Aghadi allies, the Election Commission, police, administration, media, and everyone who contributed to making this election a vibrant celebration of democracy," Sule added.
Sule said the party would remain focused on its goals and continue its efforts to serve the people of Maharashtra. “We remain steadfast. Our fight continues—with humility, with courage, and with the hope of building a Maharashtra that fulfils the dreams of its people,” she added.
Sharad Pawar suffered the worst-ever defeat in his political career in Maharashtra polls with the NCP faction led by him winning only 10 seats in the 288-member House. His MVA partners Congress and Sena (UBT) got 16 and 20 seats, respectively.
The ruling Mahayuti scored a massive victory with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde emerging victorious in 57, and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar grabbing 41 seats.
