In a significant development, Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot has granted approval for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday in connection with alleged irregularities involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
This move marks a considerable setback for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress-led government in Karnataka.
The Karnataka Governor's Secretariat issued an official order on behalf of Governor Gehlot, confirming the decision. The order was released by R Prabhushankar, Special Secretary to the Governor, on Saturday.
"As directed by the Hon'ble Governor, I am enclosing herewith, the copy of the decision of the Competent Authority on the request of sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, under Section 17 of the Prevention of the Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences mentioned in the petitions," the order stated.
The petitions against CM Siddaramaiah were filed by social activists Pradeep Kumar SP, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna in relation to the alleged MUDA land scam.
The activists accused CM Siddaramaiah of abusing his position to fabricate fraudulent documents related to 3.17 acres of land near Mysuru city and of securing the allotment of 14 sites from MUDA in his wife's name.
CM Siddaramaiah has denied these allegations, asserting that the Congress government would challenge any decision to grant prosecution permission both politically and legally if the Governor approved it.
The Karnataka Cabinet had previously advised the Governor to dismiss the petitions against CM Siddaramaiah and withhold sanction for prosecution.
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