In a significant move, the Karnataka government has decided to revoke the general consent granted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations within the state. The decision was announced on Thursday, following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.CBIs authority restricted in KarnatakaKarnatakas Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, HK Patil, informed the media about the cabinets decision to withdraw the general consent, which had previously allowed the CBI to investigate cases in the state under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946. The notification granting general consent for CBI to probe criminal cases in Karnataka has been withdrawn, Patil confirmed.According to existing laws, the CBI requires the consent of state governments to carry out investigations within their jurisdiction. The withdrawal of general consent means the CBI will now need approval on a case-by-case basis to probe cases in Karnataka.Allegations of misuse and delaysPatil explained that the decision stemmed from concerns over the misuse of the CBI by the central government. It is clear that the CBI or the central government, through their agencies, are not using them judiciously. Henceforth, we will review cases individually before granting consent, he said.He also dismissed suggestions that the decision was taken to shield Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from the ongoing MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) case. “The CM is under a court order for a Lokayukta probe, so there is no question of shielding him,” Patil clarified.The minister further accused the CBI of neglecting several high-profile cases in Karnataka, particularly in relation to mining. “They refused to file chargesheets in many cases,” he claimed.Chief Minister, deputy CM respond to allegationsChief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly stated that he would not step down over the MUDA allegations. I wont resign. Why should I There were allegations against HD Kumaraswamy—did he resign Let Kumaraswamy resign first, he remarked.Deputy CM DK Shivakumar echoed similar sentiments, dismissing the resignation demands as political maneuvering. “There are many cases against BJP leaders and central ministers. Have they all resigned Theres no question of our CM stepping down,” he asserted.
