Relief for CM Siddaramaiah as HC defers special court proceedings till Aug 29

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, August 19, 2024: The Karnataka High Court on Monday instructed the trial court to refrain from taking any action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, following Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot’s approval to prosecute the Congress leader in the alleged MUDA land scam case. This interim relief for the Chief Minister will remain in effect until August 29, when the High Court will revisit the case.

Siddaramaiah had approached the High Court challenging the Governor’s decision to sanction his prosecution, arguing that the Governor’s action was "illegal and beyond his legal authority." He also claimed that allowing his prosecution would cause "grave and imminent damage to his reputation," disrupt governance, and potentially lead to political instability.

The High Court, in its directive, stated, "As the matter is currently under consideration by this court and pleadings are yet to be completed, the trial court is instructed to defer its proceedings until the next hearing date."