February 7, 2025: In a major relief for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. The plea, filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, sought the transfer of the investigation from the Lokayukta to the CBI.

Dismissing the petition, Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated, “The material on record on its perusal nowhere indicates that the investigation conducted by Lokayukta is partisan, lopsided, or shoddy for this court to refer the matter to CBI for further investigation or reinvestigation.”

The allegations revolve around the allotment of 14 MUDA sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi B M. The Lokayukta police registered an FIR on September 27, following an order by the Special Court that deals exclusively with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs. The case names Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, and Devaraju, the individual who had sold land to Swamy, who later gifted it to Parvathi.

Despite the allegations, Siddaramaiah has maintained that the case is “politically motivated” and remains confident in the judicial process. Earlier this month, he pointed out that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued summons, but the court granted a stay on the proceedings. “The judge asked ED, ‘Why are you in a hurry?’” he told reporters.

Reaffirming his stance, the Chief Minister stated, “Why should I be afraid when the judge has reserved the order? I am confident that we will get justice.”

With the High Court ruling in his favor, Siddaramaiah has received temporary relief, but the political storm surrounding the case is far from over.