The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka Lokayukta to present comprehensive details of its ongoing investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case, which implicates Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The court has also issued notices to Siddaramaiah, his co-accused, and the Union and state governments, seeking their responses. The case will be heard again on November 26.
The directive, issued by Justice M Nagaprasanna, came during a hearing on a petition filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna, requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged misuse of authority in MUDA’s site allotments. Senior advocate KG Raghavan, representing Krishna, argued that the Lokayukta operates under the state government, creating a potential conflict of interest that could compromise an impartial investigation.
The MUDA land allotment investigation has garnered public attention since September, following the dismissal of a plea by Siddaramaiah challenging the governor’s approval for corruption charges against him. Shortly thereafter, the Lokayukta registered an FIR naming Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and another individual, Devaraju. The allegations focus on the allocation of 14 high-value plots to Parvathi in prime Mysuru locations, allegedly circumventing standard procedures. These plots are reportedly valued at around ₹56 crore.
The Lokayukta began its formal investigation on September 27 under a court order. The case gained further attention after Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had been summoned to appear before the Lokayukta in Mysuru on November 6.
Adding to the investigation’s scope, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently intensified its probe into the financial dimensions of the case. On October 28, the ED conducted searches across various locations in Karnataka, including Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mysuru, and has summoned six MUDA officials for further questioning.
This case underscores the growing scrutiny on public land allotment practices in Karnataka and highlights calls for transparent investigations involving high-profile officials.
