Governor's Sanction Challenged: Siddaramaiah's Legal Battle

The Karnataka High Court has deferred the hearing on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition challenging Governor Thaawarchand's sanction for his prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority case to September 12. The case involves allegations under the Prevention of Corruption Act and concerns the legality and procedural aspects of the governor's decision.

The Karnataka High Court on Monday adjourned to September 12 the hearing on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition, which challenges the legality of Governor Thaawarchand's sanction for his prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The court also extended its August 19 interim order directing the special court for people's representatives to defer its proceedings till the next hearing.

Justice M Nagaprasanna stated, "Heard the learned counsel Lakshmi Iyengar, appearing for the fourth respondent, Snehamayi Krishna. The respondents have all completed their submissions. The learned Advocate General has also completed his submissions. For the reply submission of senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and senior counsel Prof Ravi Varma Kumar, list this matter on September 12 at 12 pm."

The Judge added, "On September 12, we should be completing this." The Governor on August 16 accorded sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for the commission of the alleged offenses. In his petition, Siddaramaiah argued that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles.

(With inputs from agencies.)