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While neither case has been dismissed outright, the court’s decisions have, for now, stalled potential legal and political challenges that could have had serious consequences
The cases highlight how legal battles are deeply intertwined with Karnataka’s political landscape. (PTI File)
The Karnataka High Court’s (HC) recent rulings in two high-profile cases involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former CM BS Yediyurappa have provided both legal relief and political breathing room to the two leaders.
While neither case has been dismissed outright, the court’s decisions have, for now, stalled potential legal and political challenges that could have had serious consequences.
SIDDARAMAIAH: TEMPORARY REPRIEVE IN MUDA LAND SCAM CASE
The HC’s decision to not transfer the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) comes as relief for Siddaramaiah.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been pushing for a CBI probe, arguing that a state-controlled Lokayukta investigation would be biased. The court rejected this demand, stating that a CBI probe was not a “panacea for the projected ill” and found no evidence of bias or inadequacy in the Lokayukta’s investigation.
Political analyst Sandeep Shastri believes this ruling gives Siddaramaiah a temporary advantage. “This reprieve will strengthen Siddaramaiah as he now has something to show that he has been vindicated. But I think it’s only a temporary pause. The opposition is not going to stay quiet, and with the BJP in power at the centre, the pressure will continue,” he said. He added that while this is a momentary relief, both sides will use it as a political talking point.
The case revolves around the allocation of 14 housing sites worth Rs 56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, as compensation for land allegedly acquired wrongfully by MUDA. Siddaramaiah has argued that the allotment took place during the BJP’s tenure and that there was no wrongdoing. His wife has since returned the land, but the case remains politically sensitive as corruption allegations against the Congress government grow.
For Siddaramaiah, the high court’s ruling is both a legal and political advantage, keeping the matter under state jurisdiction and preventing an external investigation. However, with a division bench set to hear the appeal on March 22, the issue is far from over.
Political analyst Narendra Pani believes the real impact will only be felt if a conviction happens. “Unless one of them is convicted, it won’t have serious consequences. As of now, this is just temporary relief,” he said.
Can this legal reprieve help strengthen their positions within their parties? Pani is sceptical. “The strength of a leader does not come from this. It may be used as a trigger, but their real strength depends on how many MLAs and supporters they have,” he said.
YEDIYURAPPA: LEGAL HURDLE CLEARED IN POCSO CASE
For Yediyurappa, the HC ruling in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case has also provided a significant legal reprieve. The case stems from allegations made in March last year, when a woman accused Yediyurappa of inappropriately touching her minor daughter when they visited his home seeking help in an earlier sexual assault case. The special court had taken cognisance of the charge sheet and issued summons to Yediyurappa, which could have led to trial proceedings.
However, the high court found that the trial court had failed to provide proper reasoning for taking cognisance of the charges and set aside its order. While the case itself has not been quashed, the trial court must now reassess the charge sheet and issue a fresh order before the case can proceed. This means that Yediyurappa has, at least for now, avoided an immediate legal battle.
The ruling delays potential court proceedings that could have been politically damaging for the BJP stalwart, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations. While the case remains active, the legal technicality has provided a temporary advantage, allowing Yediyurappa to avoid direct courtroom proceedings for now.
POLITICAL FALLOUT AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Both cases highlight how legal battles are deeply intertwined with Karnataka’s political landscape. For Siddaramaiah, avoiding a CBI probe means the Congress government can manage the narrative around corruption allegations, at least temporarily. However, the upcoming division bench hearing could reopen the issue.
For Yediyurappa, the delay in trial proceedings prevents immediate political damage, but the case remains a lingering threat. The BJP, which has so far stood by him, may find it difficult to defend him if the case moves forward again.
While the high court’s rulings have provided momentary relief for both leaders, they have not closed the legal battles. With further court hearings pending in both cases, the political and legal uncertainty continues.
“Both have something to show as a brownie point, you see. But then for how long is the question,” said Shastri.
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