2016: Siddaramaiah clips Lokayukta powers to form ACB; 2022: HC dissolves ACB; 2024: Siddaramaiah faces Lokayukta probe

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who significantly undermined the Lokayukta’s authority during his first term in 2016 by establishing the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), now finds himself embroiled in a crisis as the same Lokayukta Police is set to investigate his alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site scam.

In a move that was widely criticised as a grave insult to Lokayukta, the anti-corruption ombudsman, Siddaramaiah’s Government had reduced the Lokayukta to a mere ceremonial position, transferring more powers to the now-defunct ACB.

This decision was later deemed null and void by a two-Judge Bench of the Karnataka High Court, which included Justices B. Veerappa and K.S. Hemalekha. Their August 2022 ruling not only restored the Lokayukta’s powers but also mandated the immediate transfer of all pending cases from the ACB back to the Lokayukta.

This judicial intervention has sparked intense debate among political analysts, who view it as a significant setback for Siddaramaiah’s administration. Following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocates Chidanand Urs and S.R. Hiremutt, the Court addressed concerns regarding the ACB’s legitimacy, ultimately leading to its dissolution.

Further complicating matters, an RTI query from 2019 revealed that there are currently 50 pending cases against Siddaramaiah in the Lokayukta, though no cases were registered against him during the period from April 2013 to March 2014. Notably, there has been little progress in the existing cases against him.

In a twist of fate that Siddaramaiah likely never anticipated, he now faces a Lokayukta investigation. He must cooperate fully when summoned for questioning, as the Lokayukta Police have been granted considerable latitude in their inquiry.

The Special Court for People’s Representatives, led by Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat, has indicated that the Police may proceed with arrests if deemed necessary.

This unexpected turn of events not only highlights the irony of Siddaramaiah’s previous actions but also raises significant questions about the future of his political career as allegations of corruption loom large.