State Cabinet’s Advice in MUDA Case Lacked Independent Review, Argues SG Mehta
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Karnataka Governor, argued before the Karnataka High Court that the Governor’s decision to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case was valid. He stated that the State Cabinet’s advice against prosecution was a “copy-paste” opinion made without proper consideration.
Mehta emphasized that the Advocate General’s opinion, the Cabinet’s stance, the Chief Secretary’s note, and the Chief Minister’s response to the Governor’s notice were all identical, lacking originality. In a lighter tone, Mehta remarked that Bangalore, being the IT hub of the country, should have at least used artificial intelligence to paraphrase the copied text.
The case revolves around allegations of corruption concerning the irregular allocation of MUDA land to Siddaramaiah’s wife. Several senior advocates argued that there was a clear misuse of the Chief Minister’s office, and that the State Cabinet, having an interest in the matter, should not have advised the Governor. Concerns were raised about the High Court’s decision to stay trial court proceedings, potentially hindering the special court’s progress.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, defended the interim order halting lower court proceedings, asserting the need for the High Court to fully examine the issue before further action.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 2.
(With inputs from agency)
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