Muda Case Takes New Turn As ED Challenges Lokayukta B Report In High Court
The Enforcement Directorate has challenged the Lokayukta B report in the Muda case, arguing that several findings from its investigation were not properly considered during the earlier probe.
The Muda case has taken another legal turn after the Enforcement Directorate approached the Karnataka High Court against the B report filed by the Lokayukta police. The development has brought fresh attention to the long running dispute surrounding alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority land and site allotment matter.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, argued that several important aspects had not been properly examined by the Lokayukta investigation. According to the submissions, certain findings that emerged during the ED investigation were not adequately considered while preparing the B report.
The agency has also raised questions about the alleged illegal denotification of land and the process of land conversion. Its position is that these issues required a more detailed examination before the investigation was closed through the B report.
After hearing the arguments, the single judge bench of the Karnataka High Court adjourned the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 2 at 2.30 pm.
The ED move comes after social activist Snehamayi Krishna had already challenged the B report before the High Court. His petition sought a review of the report and questioned the decision of the special court that had accepted the Lokayukta findings.
How the Muda case reached this stage
The Lokayukta police had submitted the B report before the 82nd Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru, which functions as the special court for cases involving elected representatives, on February 12, 2025. The special court subsequently accepted the report through an order passed on January 28, 2026.
Snehamayi Krishna later approached the High Court, seeking cancellation of the special court order. He also requested that the case be handed over to an independent investigating agency and that a fresh investigation report be prepared.
The dispute has also seen earlier proceedings involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and members of his family. The High Court had issued notices to Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi, his brother in law Mallikarjun Swamy and other landowners after the B report was challenged.
What is the Muda land dispute
The case relates to land in Kesare village, Mysuru, measuring 3 acres and 16 guntas and associated with Siddaramaiah’s wife B M Parvathi. The allegation concerns the acquisition of this land and the subsequent allotment of 14 alternative sites by Muda.
The sites have been at the centre of allegations that rules were not followed and that the allotment involved misuse of official influence. The allegations have been denied and the legal proceedings have continued through different forums.
Snehamayi Krishna had approached the Lokayukta police seeking an investigation into the matter. He had also sought sanction for investigation and prosecution from the Governor.
The Governor later granted permission for an investigation in August 2024. Siddaramaiah challenged that decision before the High Court, but the court rejected his petition and allowed the police investigation to proceed in September 2024.
Following its investigation, the Lokayukta police submitted the B report concerning Siddaramaiah and his family members. The special court accepted that report, leading to further legal challenges.
The latest petition by the Enforcement Directorate adds another layer to the case. The agency has questioned whether all relevant findings were considered before the B report was accepted. The High Court’s upcoming hearing is therefore expected to be closely watched, as the court considers the objections raised against the earlier investigation and its conclusions.
