Karnataka HC Rejects CBI Probe Plea in MUDA Land Case Involving CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru, 7th February 2025: The Karnataka High Court on Friday rejected an activist’s petition requesting a CBI investigation into the MUDA land case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, affirming that the ongoing probe by the Lokayukta police remains independent.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, reviewing the Lokayukta police’s investigative report on the MUDA case, stated that a CBI probe is not a universal solution for the alleged misconduct. The court found no indication that the current investigation was biased or inadequate.

The high court had previously reserved its verdict on January 27 in response to a petition filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who sought a CBI inquiry into land grants issued by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to Siddaramaiah’s family in 2021. The activist contended that the Lokayukta police lacked impartiality, as they operate under the state government’s jurisdiction.

A special court had directed the Lokayukta police to investigate the matter on September 25, 2024, following the activist’s request for a probe by either the Lokayukta, CBI, or another independent agency. However, before the Lokayukta police could register an FIR, the activist approached the high court on September 28, seeking a CBI probe.

Justice Nagaprasanna, after reviewing the Lokayukta police’s sealed investigation report, reserved judgment on the CBI probe request. Additionally, the high court extended the deadline for the trial court to receive the Lokayukta’s findings.

During the January 27 hearing, the high court indicated that it would evaluate the Lokayukta police report before deciding on the necessity of a CBI inquiry. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah’s legal representatives argued that it was the trial court’s responsibility—not the high court’s—to make determinations based on the Lokayukta’s findings.

The Chief Minister’s counsel asserted that the high court cannot unilaterally order a CBI probe after reviewing the Lokayukta’s report, as the case falls within the jurisdiction of the special court that initially mandated the Lokayukta investigation.

The MUDA land case revolves around 14 plots, valued at ₹56 crore, which were allocated to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, as compensation after MUDA allegedly acquired 3.16 acres of land that had been gifted to her by her brother in 2010.

Siddaramaiah has publicly maintained that the land allotment was lawful and that no misconduct occurred during the BJP’s tenure. His wife later returned the sites to MUDA.

Additionally, Siddaramaiah has filed an appeal in the high court challenging a single-judge ruling from September 24, 2024, that permitted an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the MUDA land allocation. A division bench is set to hear the appeal on March 22.