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).
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
