Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 7: In a case that continues to generate political tremors, the Special Court for MLAs and MPs on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on the controversial closure report in the MUDA land allotment case involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife, and others, pushing the next hearing to May 29.

The adjournment comes after the Karnataka Lokayukta submitted a formal request seeking more time to complete its investigation, even as doubts are being raised about the delay.

Earlier, on April 15, the court had clearly stated that it would take a call on the closure report only after the Lokayukta’s probe was completed. However, with no final report submitted by the May 7 deadline, the court agreed to postpone the hearing again.

Meanwhile, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna, who has been persistently challenging the clean chit given to CM Siddaramaiah and others in the interim report, moved a fresh plea under Section 200 of the CrPC. He accused the investigating agency of intentionally delaying proceedings and expressed fears of a potential cover-up.

"I suspect that the evidence may be tampered with or destroyed. Therefore, I request the court to consider the submitted report as final, take cognisance of the objections and documents provided by me, allow me to present my arguments, and issue appropriate orders,” his plea stated.

He further argued that the possibility of a final report implicating the Chief Minister or the other accused is “extremely unlikely”, given the interim clean chit already issued.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also objected to the closure report, citing irregularities and lack of accountability. The ED's involvement has further politicised the matter, with its legal standing to intervene now also under judicial scrutiny.

The Lokayukta’s counsel argued that the ED cannot be considered an “aggrieved party” in this case and does not have legal standing to file objections. However, the court has ruled that the ED’s objections can be taken into consideration.

Earlier, in a strong observation, the court noted the contradiction in the Lokayukta’s handling of the case: “On one hand, the Lokayukta has filed a closure report, while on the other hand, it states that the probe has to be continued. Hence, let the investigation be completed.”

Emphasising due process, the court said: “It is appropriate to consider the objection plea once the investigation is completed.”

The MUDA case revolves around alleged irregularities in land allotments by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, with allegations ranging from misuse of position to preferential treatment. The case has become a political lightning rod, especially with CM Siddaramaiah named as Accused No. 1.

For now, all eyes are on the May 29 hearing, when the court expects the Lokayukta to finally submit its comprehensive report. Until then, questions about whether this is a legitimate closure or a convenient clean-up will continue to swirl.