MUDA case: SC upholds HC order quashing ED notice to CM’s wife

NEW DELHI

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which challenged the Karnataka High Court’s decision to quash summons issued to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi B.M., and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is listed as the first accused in the case.

While hearing the petition, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai expressed strong disapproval of the ED’s involvement, noting, “Let political battles be fought among the electorate. Why are you allowing yourself to be used for this?” The bench declined to find fault with the High Court’s reasoning and dismissed the petition, cautioning the ED against misuse of its powers.

The Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED, agreed to withdraw the plea, requesting it not be treated as a precedent. The court acknowledged his submission, avoiding harsher remarks.

The Karnataka High Court had previously quashed the ED’s summons on March 7, 2024. Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled in favour of Parvathi and Minister Suresh, finding no justification for ED’s involvement when the case was already under investigation by the Lokayukta and a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The controversy centers on the alleged misuse of office by Siddaramaiah to secure 14 compensatory sites for his wife in Mysuru's Vijayanagar Layout under MUDA’s 50:50 scheme, intended to compensate landowners with developed plots.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the Chief Minister’s Office said the ruling affirmed justice and brought an end to politically driven interference by the ED.