Mining: CBI court closes plaint against Siddaramaiah

CM was accused of renewing mining lease in violation of rules

A CBI special court has closed a private complaint filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleging that he permitted illegal renewal of mining lease.

The court, however, asked the complainant to approach the jurisdictional court with the complaint.

The private complaint was filed by one Rammurthy Gowda alleging that chief minister and then secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries ordered renewal of mining lease to eight mining companies in violation of rules.

The complaint stated that there were 92 other mining applicants before the department with request for renewal of mining lease. The complaint contended that as per the amendment to MMRD Act, which came into force from January 12, 2015, Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Mines portfolio, and secretary issued 'in principal approval'.

Further, a legal opinion also pointed out that there was no provision to issue any 'in principal approval'.

The CBI court said, "This court is established only to try the cases instituted by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act in respect of only specified offences.'' The special court held that though prior sanction is not required to order an investigation in private complaints, it does not have jurisdiction. "The original complaint is hereby returned to the complainant with a liberty to approach the proper forum for redressal in accordance with law,'' the court said while closing the complaint.

The complainant had stated that his complaint with the Lokayukta was closed with a  reference to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing cases of illegal mining in the state.

The complainant stated that the SIT too closed the complaint.

A source in the SIT stated that though mining leases were renewed under 'in-principle approval', it was later withdrawn based on the legal opinion.