“Evaluating Best Legal Options": A.S. Ponnanna Responds to High Court Verdict on Siddaramaiah’s Alleged Involvement in MUDA Scam

In a setback for Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s decision to permit an investigation into alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites, worth ₹56 crore.

Bengaluru: Following the Karnataka High Court's decision to uphold the Governor's permission for an investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over allegations related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Congress MLA from Virajpet and the CM's legal advisor, A.S. Ponnanna, asserted on Tuesday that the Governor's sanction for investigation remains 'illegal' until the highest court of the land delivers its final verdict.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Ponnanna said, "Recourse to judicial review is being explored; we are examining the best course of action. We are evaluating our legal options."

In a setback for Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s decision to permit an investigation into alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites, worth ₹56 crore, to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, by the MUDA. The court also vacated its earlier interim order from August 19, which had directed a special court in Bengaluru to defer decisions on complaints against the Chief Minister. A request to stay the court’s Tuesday verdict was rejected, allowing the investigation to proceed.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who delivered the verdict, dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the legality of the Governor’s August 16 order, which had allowed the investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Responding to the court’s decision, Siddaramaiah stated that he had "no hesitation in facing any investigation" and would consult legal experts to assess the legitimacy of the probe. "After discussions with legal experts, I will decide on the further course of action," he said at a press conference alongside Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other Cabinet colleagues. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that he had committed no wrongdoing and ruled out resigning from his post.

Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), called for Siddaramaiah’s immediate resignation. "It is now clear that a prima facie case has been made against him. Siddaramaiah must uphold the dignity of his post by resigning on moral grounds," BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra told reporters shortly after the court’s decision.

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