The Karnataka High Court has deferred the trial court proceedings against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The High Court’s decision on Monday postponed the matter to September 12, continuing the interim order from August 19, which halted the special court for people’s representatives from moving forward with the complaints against the Chief Minister.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, overseeing the case, confirmed the completion of submissions from both the respondents and the Advocate General. The court scheduled the next steps for the case, anticipating the reply submissions of senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and senior counsel Prof Ravi Varma Kumar.
The legal turmoil began when Governor Thaawarchand, on August 16, sanctioned Siddaramaiah’s prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. These charges stem from allegations detailed in petitions filed by individuals including Pradeep Kumar S P, T J Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna.
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly challenged the Governor’s order in the High Court. His petition argues that the sanction was granted without proper consideration, breaching statutory requirements and constitutional norms, notably circumventing the mandatory advice from the Council of Ministers as stipulated by Article 163 of the Constitution of India.
Siddaramaiah’s legal team contends that the Governor’s decision is not only procedurally flawed but also tainted by ulterior motives, making it legally indefensible. As the case progresses, the Chief Minister seeks to have the Governor’s sanction order completely overturned.
