Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's Legal Battle: Court Delays Closure Report Decision

Court Postpones Decision on Closure Report for Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: On Tuesday, the Special Court designated for MLAs and MPs announced that it will only make a decision regarding the closure report involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the Lokayukta's investigation is fully concluded.

This ruling follows an objection raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the closure report related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, which implicates CM Siddaramaiah, his spouse, and others.

The court emphasized that the Lokayukta has yet to finalize its investigation and instructed it to present its final report by May 7.

The court remarked, "While the Lokayukta has submitted a closure report, it also indicates that the investigation must continue. Therefore, let the investigation be completed."

It further stated, "It is prudent to address the objection plea once the investigation concludes."

Additionally, the court permitted the ED to file an objection against the Lokayukta's investigation, despite the Lokayukta's counsel arguing that the ED should not be considered an aggrieved party in this matter.

Previously, after hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat had reserved the case for judgment on April 9.

The ED contested the closure report issued by the Karnataka Lokayukta by submitting a petition to the Special Court.

In its plea, the ED requested the court to reject the closure report from the Karnataka Lokayukta and to provide necessary directives for further investigation.

During the proceedings regarding the MUDA case at the Special Court in Bengaluru, the ED argued that those accused of money laundering should not evade accountability.

Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary accused in the MUDA case, with his wife, Parvati, as the second accused, and his brother-in-law, Mallikarjunaswamy, as the third.

The Karnataka Lokayukta had previously filed a closure report, citing insufficient evidence against the accused.

Senior counsel Madhukar Deshpande, representing the ED, stated, "The Karnataka Lokayukta has submitted a 'B Report' concerning the four accused in the MUDA scam. Thus, the ED is entitled to challenge this closure report. The Supreme Court has indicated that individuals involved in money laundering should not be easily absolved."

He added that the ED had provided all investigative details to the Lokayukta Police, which were allegedly overlooked, and that the findings from the ED would also be presented to the court.