Karnataka govt withdraws general consent for CBI probe in state

With this withdrawal, Karnataka joins a growing list of non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, that have opted to revoke general consent for CBI investigations.

The Karnataka government has recently rescinded its general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to carry out probes within the state.

This decision is based on allegations from non BJP led NDA parties that state that CBI has exhibited bias in favour of the central government, particularly in targeting leaders from specific political parties.

The move comes amid increasing demands, especially from the BJP, for the CBI to investigate the purported irregularities in the allotment of Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family.

With this withdrawal, Karnataka joins a growing list of non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, that have opted to revoke general consent for CBI investigations.

The timing of this decision is significant, as it follows two key developments: first, the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s approval for an investigation into the MUDA case after receiving complaints requesting a probe.

Second, a Special Court directed the Lokayukta police to investigate allegations against Siddaramaiah and his family concerning the alleged illegal allotment of MUDA sites to the chief minister’s wife, Parvathy BM, with a report due to be submitted to the court within three months.