The Karnataka High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on whether the MUDA site allotment case, involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family members, should be transferred to an independent agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The petitioners, including activists, have requested the court to refer the case to an independent agency, arguing that the Lokayukta police cannot fairly investigate the Chief Minister. The petitioners allege that the investigation by the state’s ombudsman could be biased, given the involvement of high-ranking officials.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, while hearing the case, remarked that the petition was filed under sections 226 and 482 of the CrPC and noted that the matter could be referred to an independent agency. He also mentioned that a report directed by the concerned court to the Lokayukta must be submitted by January 28, 2025.
The MUDA site allotment case involves allegations that compensatory plots were allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi B M, in a premium Mysuru area with higher property values compared to the location of her original land. This land was acquired by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), and a 50:50 scheme was used to allot her developed land in exchange for 3.16 acres of her land.
Under the controversial 50:50 scheme, MUDA granted 50 percent of developed land to landowners in lieu of undeveloped land acquired for residential projects. However, it is alleged that Parvathi lacked legal title over the 3.16 acres of land in question, located in Kasare village, Mysuru.
The Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are simultaneously investigating the matter. The court’s judgment on whether to transfer the case to an independent agency remains reserved.
