Karnataka HC Halts Action Against CM Siddaramaiah in Alleged MUDA Scam

The Karnataka High Court has instructed the trial court not to take any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the MUDA scam until the next hearing on August 29. The decision follows the Governor's sanction for prosecution, which Siddaramaiah is challenging.

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the trial court not to take any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA 'scam' case until the next hearing date. Justice M Nagaprasanna's bench scheduled the plea hearing for August 29, following Siddaramaiah's challenge to the Governor's prosecution sanction.

While reviewing the Chief Minister's plea, the High Court emphasized that no precipitative action should follow the Governor's sanction, as the High Court is currently addressing the matter. The trial court's proceedings are deferred until the next High Court session.

The bench declared that any action against the Chief Minister would undermine the ongoing High Court proceedings. The trial court must postpone its proceedings until the following hearing. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Siddaramaiah, argued the Governor gave no substantial rationale for the sanction. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that even a reasonable suspicion of bias by the Cabinet suffices for the Governor's decision. The case originates from a complaint by activist Snehamayi Krishna alleging document forgery by Siddaramaiah and others to secure MUDA compensation.

(With inputs from agencies.)