The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted interim relief to Union Minister and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy by staying the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe initiated against him in connection with alleged land encroachment in Kethaganahalli village, Ramanagara district.
A single-judge bench of Justice E S Indiresh observed that there appeared to be no formal notification issued alongside the government order that constituted the SIT. Taking note of this procedural lapse, the court stayed both the formation of the SIT and the summons issued to Kumaraswamy until further hearing.
The SIT was established by the Karnataka government in January 2025 to investigate allegations that Kumaraswamy had illegally occupied land in Ramanagara, a district considered the stronghold of the Janata Dal (Secular) leader. In response, Kumaraswamy moved the High Court, questioning the legal basis and procedural validity of the SIT’s constitution.
Senior advocate Udaya Holla and advocate Nishanth AV represented Kumaraswamy during the proceedings. The High Court also directed the government advocate to file a response to the petition.
The ruling offers a temporary reprieve to the JD(S) leader, who has consistently alleged that the investigation is politically motivated. Accusing the Congress government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of targeting him, Kumaraswamy has maintained that the disputed land was legally purchased by him in 1984.
Speaking earlier on the ongoing land survey in Ramanagara, Kumaraswamy called it a politically driven operation. “Earlier, SITs were headed by IPS officers. Now even IAS officers are leading them,” he said, taking a veiled swipe at the current administration.
He further claimed that the complaints against him lacked legitimacy and asserted he has documentary evidence implicating others in illegal land transactions. “I haven’t looted government land like Siddaramaiah. Let them investigate. I have nothing to hide,” Kumaraswamy said.
The case will be heard further after the state government submits its reply.
