Karnataka Cabinet Urges Governor to Sanction Prosecutions in Notable Corruption Cases

The Karnataka Cabinet has advised Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to act on prosecution requests against JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and three former BJP Ministers, including mining baron G Janardhan Reddy. This move follows the Governor's recent sanction for prosecuting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a related investigation.

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday took a significant step by advising Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to act on prosecution requests targeting JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and three former BJP Ministers, including mining magnate G Janardhan Reddy. The advice aims to expedite pending cases and streamline the judicial process.

This action by the Congress government comes in the wake of the Governor granting prosecution sanction for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam. Law Minister H K Patil emphasized the Cabinet's role in aiding and advising the Governor under Article 163 of the Constitution.

Patil clarified that while the Governor has limited discretion, he is expected to act judiciously upon the Cabinet's advice. The Cabinet's move aims to address delays and enhance public perception of accountability in the Governor's office, especially given the pending corruption cases involving prominent political figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)