Bengaluru, 2 Sept

High Court on Monday extended till 9 September the interim stay on trial court proceedings against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

The court adjourned for a week the hearing on Chief Minister's petition challenging the legality of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's sanction for his prosecution in the case.

Appearing for the Respondent number 4 (R-4) Snehamayi Krishna, senior advocate KG Raghavan made submissions when the hearing resumed. “Interim order granted on August 19 shall continue till the next date of hearing," Justice M Nagaprasanna said.

The Governor on 16 August accorded sanction under Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences as mentioned in the petitions of Pradeep Kumar SP, TJ Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna.

On 19 August, Siddaramaiah moved to the High Court challenging the legality of the Governor's order.

In the petition, the Chief Minister submitted that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India. -PTI