Bangalore. The Karnataka High Court on Thursday adjourned till Saturday the hearing of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the prosecution sanction against him by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam.
The court extended its interim order of August 19 and directed the special court authorized to hear the cases of public representatives to postpone the hearing of the case against Siddaramaiah till the next date. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Chief Minister, presented his arguments as soon as the hearing began.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna said, “(We) heard the arguments of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who has currently completed his arguments, (but) his right to reply is reserved. After the arguments of the respondents are completed, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Governor, will present his arguments on August 31 at 1030 am.” Justice Nagaprasanna said, “The interim order issued on August 19 will remain in force till the next date of hearing of the case.” On August 16, the Governor approved the prosecution against Siddaramaiah under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the Indian Civil Security Code, against which he has approached the High Court.