In a significant development in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam matter involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court has listed the petition demanding the probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged irregularities for hearing on November 5 (Tuesday).
The bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna will take up the petition submitted by activist Snehamayi Krishna at 10.30 a.m.
RTI activist Snehamayi Krisha, one of the petitioners in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on September 27 submitted a petition before the High Court demanding CBI probe against the senior Congress leader.
Krishna had stated in his petition that he does not think Lokayukta can ensure a transparent probe.
He said that the Lokayukta institution comes under the state government, officers are designated by the government. Therefore, he was not confident of a transparent and unbiased investigation into the case.
A special court in Karnataka directed Lokayukta to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the MUDA recently.
The Lokayukta has lodged the FIR against CM Siddaramaiah and others and is investigating the case. The court had asked the Lokayukta to submit a report in three months.
Earlier on Monday, in a major development, the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the land scam matter served notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appear on November 6 for questioning in connection with the alleged irregularities.
CM Siddaramaiah, who has been named as first accused in the land scam case, has been asked to be present at the Mysuru Lokayukta office on November 6 (Wednesday), sources confirmed on Monday.
The Mysuru Lokayukta had earlier grilled CM Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathy, the second accused in the scam, for hours.
The Lokayukta sleuths had also probed the third accused - CM Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy, and the fourth accused - land owner J. Devaraju.
The development is seen as a setback for CM Siddaramaiah who is busy campaigning for the upcoming bypolls. Currently, he is camping in Shiggaon constituency.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.