The Karnataka High Court, on Friday, dismissed a writ petition filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, seeking the transfer of the Mysore Urban Development Authority site allocation case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Insulation of Lokayukta from external influence is already recognised by Supreme Court and High Court. There is no malady to direct CBI to investigate instead. CBI investigation is not a solution to the projected ills in the petition,” the High Court said in its order.

The decision provided clarity regarding the case, as it would now be investigated by the Lokayukta.

The verdict comes as a relief to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as it involved allegations of irregularities against him, specifically regarding the illegal allocation of 14 sites to his wife Parvati BM, by the development authority.

Activist and petitioner Krishna, however, said he will move Supreme Court against the High Court order asking for CBI investigation.

Siddaramaiah, on his part, stated he appreciated the verdict. “I welcome the court's verdict and will respect the judgment,” he said.

The court had reserved its decision last month after listening to all sides.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the accused does not have the right to be heard at this stage and could not decide which agency should handle the investigation.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Chief Minister, used the same argument asking if the accused couldn’t choose the investigating agency, how could the petitioner do so?

State Home Minister G Parameshwar, reacted positively to the verdict. “It’s a big relief for the government and the Chief Minister. The High Court has also observed that independent agencies need not to be doubted. We need to keep some faith in these institutions,” he said.

“I think there will be no more conversation of change of Chief Minister in Karnataka after today,” Parameshwar added. 

Source: India Today