Page 27 - Karnataka

MUDA case: HC issues notice on Siddaramaiah's appeal against bench order

Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued notice to the state government and other respondents on an appeal filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenging the single judge bench's order upholding the Governor's decision granting approval for an investigation against him in the MUDA site allotment scam. The division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind posted the matter for further hearing on January 25, 2025. On October 24, the CM filed an appeal before the division bench of the High Court, challenging the decision of a single judge bench, which had come as a setback to him. Siddaramaiah is facing allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi B M by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna on September 24 dismissed the CM's petition challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval for a probe against him in the case, observing that the gubernatorial order nowhere "suffers from want of

Fairfax India to get addl 10% stake in Bengaluru airport operator BIAL

Fairfax India Holdings will buy an additional 10 per cent stake in Bengaluru airport operator BIAL, hiking its overall shareholding to 74 per cent. Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) is a joint venture between Fairfax India, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. The latter two entities have 13 per cent stake each. "The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, upon which the additional 10 per cent equity interest in BIAL will be acquired by Fairfax India for, in aggregate, USD 255.0 million. The purchase price will be payable in three installments, with the initial installment to be paid on the closing date in Q1 2025," Fairfax India said in a release. The second and third installments are to be paid on or around August 31, 2025 and July 31, 2026, respectively. Fairfax India is acquiring the 10 per cent stake from Siemens Projects Ventures. "We would like to thank Siemens for the great partnershi

Are they trying to influence: K'taka minister after ED writes to Lokayukta

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara questioned the ED's intention behind writing the letter to the Lokayuta before the petition came up for hearing in High Court

Weather update: Karnataka to experience light rainfall, cloudy skies today

The Bengaluru city is expected to receive light rainfall on Wednesday. Light to moderate showers may take place in several districts and the temperature ranges between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius

MUDA scam case: Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra praises ED's investigtion

Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the MUDA case has vindicated his party's stand that this scam was not limited to the irregularities in 14 sites belonging to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's family. He noted that the investigation by the ED in the preliminary stage has uncovered over Rs 700 crore worth of irregularities. Vijayendra also raised doubts over the inquiry conducted by the Lokayukta police into the matter. "We have been saying that thr MUDA scam is not restricted to the allotment of 14 sites to the Chief Minister's family... I had said earlier also that it's a scam worth hundreds of crores of rupees," he said in a press conference here in Kalaburagi. He said his statement was not a mere accusation, but a charge now proved by the ED probe. "The ED has carried out an impartial probe. Preliminary investigation has revealed that more than Rs 700 crore worth scam has taken place in MUDA site allotment." He sai

Delhi HC to hear DK Shivakumar's plea against money laundering probe in Jan

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday posted on January 23 a plea by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar against a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate. A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma deferred the matter saying it was not possible for it to commence the hearing on Tuesday. "Counsel appearing for the parties say the matter will take some time. Owing to the part-heard matters already listed in court, it would not be possible to commence hearing. List on January 23," said the bench. Shivakumar moved the high court in 2022 seeking quashing of the investigation, including summons issued to him in the ECIR (complaint) registered by the agency in 2020 following an alleged disproportionate assets case. The senior counsel appearing for the petitioner said their arguments would take "half-a-day" as important issues were involved. In his petition, Shivakumar challenged the money laundering probe against him on several grounds, including the

BJP MLA and Yediyurappa critic Basanagouda Patil served show cause notice

Days after he launched a month-long anti-Waqf march that apparently did not have the state unit's sanction, Karnataka BJP MLA and known Yediyurappa critic Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has been served with a showcause notice by the party for his "continuing tirade against the state level party leadership." BJP's Central Disciplinary Committee (CDC) has served the notice to the Vijayapura MLA and asked him to reply within 10 ten days. A defiant Yatnal, responding to the notice said his commitment to the fight for Hindutva and against 'dynastic politics' will continue. "Your tirade against the state level party leadership and your defiance of party directives and making public pronouncements and stance in contravention of party's official stand on all matters of political and public importance has been reported in media as well as by different party forums," Om Pathak, CDC member secretary said in his show cause notice on December 1, which was shared with media on Monday. The party said i

K'taka minister MB Patil discusses investment prospects with UK companies

Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil on Saturday engaged with top global companies in the United Kingdom during a roadshow held to highlight Karnataka's investment potential across the aerospace and defense, automotive, and education sectors, officials said. As part of the 'Invest Karnataka 2025' roadshow, Patil, who is currently in London, invited leading organisations, emphasising Karnataka's robust infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and forward-thinking initiatives such as the Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City project. During a meeting with the Rolls Royce Group, the Minister showcased Karnataka's thriving aerospace and defence ecosystem, focusing on composite manufacturing. A detailed presentation highlighted the state's ease of doing business and attractive incentives, which received positive feedback from Rolls Royce's leadership. Discussions focused on Karnataka's strategic role in the company's future India investment plans,

Substandard lactate solution may have caused Ballari deaths: K'taka govt

Karnataka Health Department on Friday said the recent maternal deaths in Ballari are suspected to be due to the use of substandard ringer lactate solution that is administered intravenously to restore hydration and fluid balance in the body. According to a statement, the solution was supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd to Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. The health department's officials said a sudden spurt in maternal deaths was reported from the Ballari district hospital between November 9 and 11. The deaths were reported to have occurred following caesarean operations at the hospital. Of the 34 caesarean operations performed in those three days, seven cases developed complications. In a statement, the health department said that out of the seven patients who developed complications such as acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis and multi-organ dysfunction, four died. Two have been discharged from the hospital and one patient is recovering at ...

KPSC KAS exam 2024: Hall ticket to be released soon at official website

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has released the Assistant Controller Recruitment 2024 notification at its official website

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets PM Modi, seeks clearances for two projects

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting rectification in short term farm loan limit, Rs 10,000 cr in financial support and urgent clearances for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Kalasa Bandhuri projects. In the meeting in Parliament complex, Siddarmaiah pressed for several key interventions focusing on critical areas, including agriculture, water resources and urban infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar, Energy Minister K J George and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh accompanied the CM for the meeting. The chief minister highlighted that NABARD has drastically cut the Short Term Agricultural Credit Limit for Karnataka from Rs 5,600 crore in 2023-24 to just Rs 2,340 crore in 2024-25, a 58 per cent reduction that could severely impact farmers' access to soft loans. "I request you to look into this and direct the Finance Ministry to rectify this situation so that farmers in Karnata

BJP condemns move to make Karnataka CM chancellor of RDPR University

Opposition BJP on Friday condemned the government's move to make the chief minister the chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) University replacing the governor, terming it as an attempt to pollute the higher education system. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra said this attempt to cut down on the powers of the governor is a conspiracy to upset the constitutional system. The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved a bill, according to which the chief minister will be appointed as the chancellor, replacing the governor at the RDPR University in Gadag. The governor is the chancellor for all public universities in Karnataka. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot currently holds the post. "With a good intention that politics should not mix in education and as per the intent of the constitution, the Governor who is also the constitutional head of the state is the chancellor of the universities. But the government led by Siddaramaiah (CM), which is engaged

FIR filed against Karnataka seer over remarks on Muslim voting rights

An FIR has been registered against Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamastana Math seer Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji for his remarks on voting power to Muslims, police said on Friday. He made the statement during a protest meeting organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh here on Tuesday against notices issued by Karnataka's waqf board. Urging everyone to unite to protect farmers and their land, Swamiji said that a law should be brought in where Muslims community don't have the voting power. Stating that it should be ensured there is no Waqf board, he said someone taking away someone else's land is not "Dharma". "...everyone should fight against injustice being caused to farmers...it is said that the Waqf board can claim anyone's land. It is a big injustice...someone taking away someone else's land is not Dharma... So, everyone should fight to ensure that farmers' land remains with them," the seer had said. However, on Wednesday, Swamiji expressed regret over his statement, calling it a "s

Talks held for changing Cong prez, cabinet reshuffle: Karnataka minister

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said there are also talks regarding change in state Congress president along with the cabinet reshuffle, and it is for the party leadership to decide on these matters. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who has completed four years as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), is currently on an extension in the post. "State Congress president (Shivakumar) has gone to Delhi. I have come to know that the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) is also going today. There is a Congress working committee meeting tomorrow. They are going for that. After the meeting, I don't know whether they will discuss with the high command regarding the cabinet reshuffle," Parameshwara said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Along with that (cabinet reshuffle) we are also hearing talks about changing the state Congress president. So, on these two things, what decision the CM and the president will take in ...

Karnataka Lokayukta police quiz ex-MUDA Commissioner P S Kantharaju

The Lokayukta police probing the MUDA site allotment case on Thursday quizzed its former Commissioner P S Kantharaju, Lokayukta sources said. Kantharaju was the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner for over two years, from September 2017 to November 2019. The details of the investigation were not known. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and others are accused in the case. In the MUDA case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residen

Karnataka emerges as top state in Positive Talent Balance: Report

Net talent positivity is assessed based on a state or city's ability to absorb, retain, and facilitate talent corridor movements

Those against Constitution speaking about changing it: Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said those against the Constitution are speaking of changing it, while he and his party are fighting to safeguard it. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. "Those who are against the Constitution, they are telling it (about changing the Constitution). Recently Swamiji of the Pejawar Math in Udupi had also spoken about the need for amending the Constitution. I don't know...we are fighting to ensure that the Constitution should not be changed," Siddaramiah said in response to a question. Addressing reporters here, he said, "About 106 amendments have been made to the Constitution so far. We are celebrating 75 years (of adopting the constitution). Probably India's is the longest (written) Constitution in the whole world." Noting that it has been 75 years since the country adopted its Constitution, the CM said whether it is central or the state government or the

Cong seeks to capitalise on BJP rift in Kerala, woos disgruntled leaders

Amidst the rift in Kerala BJP over the party's loss in the Palakkad Assembly by-poll, the Congress on Tuesday tried to cash in on the opportunity by inviting dissident leaders of the saffron party to its fold. The displeasure openly expressed by the Chairperson and many councillors of the BJP-ruled Palakkad Municipality over the selection of C Krishnakumar as the party candidate in the Assembly by-poll, prompted the grand old party to make the political move. The district leadership of the Congress made it clear that if the BJP councillors wish to renounce Hindutva and embrace the Congress ideology, they would be welcomed. Senior Congress leader and Palakkad MP, V K Sreekandan and DCC president A Thankappan extended the invitation through the media. However, they said they didn't hold any talks with any of the BJP councillors in this regard, and the matter would be taken up only after they expressed willingness to quit the saffron party. Thankappan said the BJP councillors are yet

Karnataka HC adjourns hearing related to transfer of MUDA case till Dec 10

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday adjourned till December 10 the hearing on the plea seeking transfer of the investigation into the MUDA site allotment scam to the CBI. The plea was filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna doubting the credibility of Lokayukta investigation into the matter. The petitioner told PTI that he approached the HC saying he has no faith in the Lokayukta police and hence the case should be handed over to the CBI. In the MUDA case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residenti

Amazon scam: Karnataka HC rejects plea to quash FIR in Rs 69 lakh case

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition seeking quashing of an FIR against two individuals accused of defrauding e-commerce giant Amazon of over Rs 69 lakh. Justice M Nagaprasanna described the case as an example of modern age crime. The petitioners, Sourish Bose and Deepanvita Ghosh, had sought to have the FIR and a magistrate court's order taking cognisance of the case set aside. The duo was booked in 2017 after an Amazon employee uncovered their alleged fraudulent activities, which had reportedly been going on for years. According to the complaint, Bose would order high-end products from Amazon using his bank account, have them delivered to Ghosh's address, and request a return within 24 hours. After obtaining a refund, Bose allegedly used to replace the genuine items with cheap imitations, re-packed them, and send them back to Amazon. The prosecution stated that the return addresses were sometimes linked to Ghosh's residence, while other times they were associated wi