Cites Lal Bahadur Shastri’s resignation to say ‘Such a sense of responsibility is lacking today’

Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, has called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign in light of the Karnataka High Court’s decision regarding the MUDA site allotment case.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru yesterday, Justice Hegde stressed the importance of public propriety, suggesting that the Chief Minister step down, even if not legally required.

“Legally, there’s no obligation for Siddaramaiah to resign. However, in terms of moral responsibility and propriety, he should. Ultimately, it is his personal decision,” Justice Hegde remarked. He also dismissed the CM’s claim that he has not committed anything wrong and said the High Court has found that prima facie there was evidence of wrongdoing.

Court finds prima facie evidence

Justice Hegde highlighted that while Siddaramaiah has consistently professed his innocence, the High Court has found grounds for an investigation. “Before the High Court’s ruling, he claimed to have done no wrong. But now the Court has found prima facie evidence. Therefore, I believe the Chief Minister should resign,” he added.

Drawing a parallel with former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who resigned in 1956 as Railway Minister following two train accidents in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Hegde lamented, “Such a sense of responsibility is lacking today.”

He further reflected on the High Court’s dismissal of Siddaramaiah’s appeal challenging the Governor’s sanction for prosecution, noting, “Given the Judge’s observations, it’s highly unlikely that he will secure a favourable order in Higher Courts.”

A colonial-era practice

Justice Hegde refrained from taking a stance on whether the investigation should be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Lokayukta but was critical of the legal requirement for Governor’s sanction to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats, labelling it a colonial-era practice.

“When ordinary citizens can be prosecuted without sanction, why should politicians enjoy such protection? Let the Courts protect them. False cases can be filed against anyone, not just politicians,” he said, calling for the abolition of this privilege.