Hearing today on plea against CM prosecution

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka High Court is set to resume hearing on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor Thaawarchand's sanction for his prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case on Thursday.

On August 19, Siddaramaiah moved to the High Court challenging the legality of the Governor's order. The HC had directed the special court for people's representatives that was slated to hear complaints against him in the case, to defer its proceedings till the next date of hearing on August 29.

In the petition, the Chief Minister submitted that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.

The court proceedings will be keenly watched for its possible political impact. Home Minister G Parameshwara said there is hope that the HC will not consider the argument in favour of the Governor's decision.