In a big setback for Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed his plea and upheld the Governor’s sanction to prosecute the chief minister in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
A single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the complainants were justified in registering the complaint and seeking approval from the Governor. The bench further said that it is the duty of complainant to seek approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Governor can take independent decision, Live Law reported.
“The facts narrated in the petition need investigation. The petition stands dismissed,” said Justice Nagaprasanna.
Also Read: MUDA scam: Karnataka HC to pronounce order in Siddaramaiah’s plea against Governor’s sanction today
The high court passed the order in the CM’s plea seeking quashing of an order issued by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot granting sanction to prosecute the former in the alleged multi-crore scam relating to MUDA. On August 19, the high court directed the trial court to defer all proceedings against Siddaramaiah, based on the governor’s sanction, till the next date of hearing before the high court.
The CM had earlier argued that the Governor’s sanction order to prosecute him was bereft of any reasons on why he was prima facie guilty while adding that the Governor’s discretionary power in such cases was limited.