The Karnataka government on Thursday withdrew the general consent granted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases in the state, accusing the agency of being “biased.”
The decision was announced by the state’s law and parliamentary affairs minister, HK Patil, following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“The notification granting general consent to the CBI to investigate criminal cases in Karnataka under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, has been withdrawn,” said Patil.
Under the law, the CBI requires consent from the respective state governments to carry out investigations within their jurisdiction.
“This decision was made because it’s evident that the CBI or the central government is not judiciously using their powers. Consent for CBI investigations will now be granted on a case-by-case basis,” Patil explained, as reported by PTI. He clarified that the move was not aimed at protecting the CM in the MUDA case.
“Regarding the CM, a court order has mandated a Lokayukta investigation, so there’s no question of shielding him,” he added.
Patil further alleged that the CBI had been misused in several cases, particularly citing the agency’s failure to file chargesheets in many Karnataka cases.
“They (CBI) refused to file chargesheets and investigate numerous mining cases,” he stated.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, dismissed calls for his resignation amid allegations linked to the MUDA scam.
“I will not resign; why should I? Allegations were made against HD Kumaraswamy; did he resign? Let Kumaraswamy resign. Has Modi asked for Kumaraswamy’s resignation?” said the CM.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also weighed in, describing the controversy as a “political drama.”
“There are many cases against several central ministers and BJP leaders. Have they all resigned? There is no reason for the CM to step down. As party president, I can assure you, the CM will not resign,” Shivakumar said.
