The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in response to a plea filed by an activist contesting a trial court’s decision that cleared him and his family of allegations related to a significant land scam. This case revolves around the Mysuru Urban Development Authority and has garnered considerable public interest.
Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav of the Karnataka High Court has called for responses from Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjun Swamy, as well as former landowner J Devaraju, in addition to the Lokayukta Police and the Enforcement Directorate. The activist’s appeal challenges a special court’s ruling from January 28, which supported a report absolving the Chief Minister and his family.
The controversy traces back to 2021, when Parvathi allegedly received allocations for 14 high-value housing sites in the Vijaynagar area of Mysuru. This grant was made under a state government initiative, purportedly in exchange for 3.1 acres of land owned by Parvathi that was allegedly acquired illegally from Dalit families. The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of the land procurement process in the state.
Adding complexity to the situation, the Karnataka Governor had previously authorized the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in September 2024. Following this, a special court mandated the Lokayukta Police to initiate a first information report (FIR) against Siddaramaiah, his wife, and other involved parties, signaling a serious escalation in the legal battle.
However, this February, the Lokayukta police submitted a closure report asserting that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the allegations. The activist’s current plea, which has now reached the High Court, seeks to transfer the investigation to an independent agency, underscoring the demand for transparency and accountability in the probe.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case continues to attract attention, with public sentiment sharply divided. Advocates for justice point to the potential complicity of those in power, while supporters of the ruling party argue for the Chief Minister’s integrity and the need for due process in all investigations. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for Karnataka politics, especially as the state prepares for forthcoming elections.
