Karnataka Bans CBI

In a significant development, the Karnataka government has withdrawn the previous notification that allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations in the state. This decision comes at a time when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing scrutiny over his alleged involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. The state cabinet made this decision on Thursday amid increasing demands for a CBI probe into the scandal to uncover the truth.

Critics argue that this move is intended to block the CBI's investigation into the CM, raising suspicions about the government's motives. However, Karnataka's Law Minister H.K. Patil clarified that the decision has nothing to do with the allegations against Siddaramaiah, citing that the CBI has been acting with bias. Patil stated, "The misuse of the CBI and its partisan behavior prompted us to take this step."

It's important to note that the Karnataka High Court recently upheld the Governor's decision to allow an investigation into the land scam involving Siddaramaiah, rejecting the CM's petition challenging the Governor’s order. The court instructed a CBI investigation into the case and directed the Lokayukta police to carry out further inquiries. The court also ordered the police to register a case under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and submit a report by December 24.

Previously, under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the Karnataka government had granted permission for the CBI to conduct investigations freely within the state. However, with this latest cabinet decision, that permission has now been revoked, which could potentially delay or impact the ongoing inquiries.