Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah In Trouble As Governor Gehlot Grants Sanction For Prosecution Against Him In MUDA Land 'Scam'

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reportedly granted sanction for prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam’.

"The Governor has granted sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister. It is based on three petitions filed by T J Abraham, one Pradeep and Snehamayi Krishna," an official at the Raj Bhavan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Following a petition from advocate-activist T J Abraham, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had issued a "showcause notice" to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 26 July.

The notice required the Chief Minister to respond to the allegations within seven days, explaining why prosecution approval should not be granted against him.

On 1 August, the Karnataka government "strongly advised" the Governor to retract his "showcause notice" to the Chief Minister, accusing him of "gross misuse of the Constitutional Office" of the Governor.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had expressed confidence that the governor would reject the petition seeking prosecution against him.

"Everything is legal, (the governor) should be convinced. Not hopeful, I'm confident that he will accept (the government's response) as things are legal. He (governor) is the head of the Constitution, when things are in accordance with the Constitution, why won't he accept? I'm confident that he will accept," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru, Times of India reported.

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