Setback for CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA case, special court orders probe

The special court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered an inquiry by the competent authority of Karnataka Lokayukta in the MUDA ( Mysore Urban Development Authority) case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Lokayukta will have to investigate the MUDA scam with the Mysore District Police and submit a report within 3 months.

The High Court upheld the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged scam in Muda. The court directed the Lokayukta police of Mysore to investigate under Section 156 (3) of the CrPC and submit a report within six weeks regarding the scam.

The Special People's Court heard private complaints filed by Snehamai Krishna and TJ Abraham of Mysuru seeking an investigation into the role of CM Siddaramaiah in the Muda scam.

CM had raised questions about the action of the Governor.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had questioned the Governor's action in the High Court. In this background, the High Court had reserved the decision of the special court of public representatives till the completion of the hearing. After the High Court's decision on Tuesday, the special court of public representatives pronounced its verdict on Wednesday citing the CrPC Act.

After the court orders an inquiry, the Mysore Lokayukta police can file an FIR against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Section 156 (3) provides that an FIR can be filed after an inquiry is ordered.

The entire jurisdiction of the case lies with the investigating officer of Mysore Lokayukta. In this background, the investigating officer has the power to arrest Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at any time. The powers of the investigating officer can be used as per the need. In such a situation, the problems of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may increase.

Ready for investigation, no fear: Siddaramaiah

Reacting to the court order, Siddaramaiah said that the High Court ordered an inquiry under Section 17A yesterday. After the High Court order, the People's Representative Court has given its verdict. I will respond after receiving a copy of the court order.

He said that I was ready to face the investigation. I have no fear of the investigation. He said that the next decision will be taken after receiving the copy of the complete order.

He said that we are not afraid of anything, we are ready for investigation. But the order given has not been read yet. I will see what is in the order after coming back from Kerala. He clarified that after receiving the court order, he would discuss it with the lawyer and then appeal to the Supreme Court.

He said that the court has not put any stay on the investigation commission that we have formed. I will reply tomorrow after reading the order in full, I said it yesterday and I am repeating it now. I am not afraid of investigation. The complainant is from Mysore so the investigation will be done there. I will reply after reading the copy of the order.