Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, celebrated a major legal victory on Monday after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the MUDA land case.
He immediately framed the ruling as a firm rebuke to the “political misuse” of investigative agencies. On a more personal note, Siddaramaiah said the judgment was a complete vindication for his wife, Parvathi, whose name he said was now “unequivocally cleared.”
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, questioned the ED’s involvement, asking, “Let political battles be fought before the electorate. Why are you being used?”
In a statement issued by his office, Siddaramaiah described the ruling as a “resounding slap” on the Union government’s approach to using central agencies against political opponents.
“This verdict has not only exposed the malice behind the case but has also unequivocally cleared our names of all the baseless allegations,” he said.
The court dismissed the ED’s attempt to continue its probe, a move Siddaramaiah argued would have subjected his family to further harassment. He added that the judgment reaffirmed his belief in constitutional values and rule of law.
“Throughout my long political career, I have always bowed before the Constitution. This verdict upholds and protects that very belief,” he said.
Siddaramaiah accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies of deliberately using investigative bodies like the CBI and ED for political purposes.
“Unable to defeat me politically, the BJP stooped to fabricating baseless cases to harass my family,” he stated. “The mental agony we’ve experienced will remain a painful chapter in our lives.”
He cited remarks from Chief Justice Gavai: “Electoral battles must be fought through the people, not through the misuse of institutions like the ED.”
Siddaramaiah said these words echoed the concerns of many who have faced similar investigations.
Citing the verdict as a crucial win against political overreach, he said it “restores faith in the judiciary” for victims of the BJP’s alleged “witch-hunt.”
He argued that this very verdict should serve as a wake-up call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to stop the practice of “weaponising constitutional agencies” and allow them their independence.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also responded, linking the MUDA case with his own legal battles.
“They filed a case against me, sent me to Tihar Jail, and eventually the case was dropped,” Shivakumar said, describing it as evidence of misuse of power.
Meanwhile, opposition figures questioned aspects of the ruling and the chief minister’s response.
Snehamayi Krishna, one of the original petitioners, argued that the family’s decision to appear before the Lokayukta but challenge the ED’s notice raised questions about their intentions.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka took issue with Siddaramaiah’s return of land parcels.
“The BJP fought a tough battle, and as a result, Siddaramaiah returned sites worth crores. If there was no wrongdoing, why return the land?” he asked.
Ashoka said his party respected the court’s ruling but would continue to push for accountability.
“Our fight in this case will continue,” he said.
