The Karnataka High Court has sought the State Government’s response to a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging discriminatory allocation of funds under the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Programme (CMIDP) to constituencies represented by ruling party legislators, in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha issued notice to the State authorities on the petition filed by BJP MLA Jagadeesh Shivayya Gudagunti. The Bench observed, “Issue notice to the respondents; a counter affidavit be filed in response to the averments made in the petition.”
According to the plea, the CMIDP introduced in the 2025–26 Budget allegedly provides ₹50 crore for development works in constituencies represented by ruling party MLAs, while ₹25 crore is allotted to those held by opposition members. The petitioner contended that such classification is arbitrary, violating the equality clause under Article 14 and the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in Article 38 and Article 39.
The plea further seeks a writ of mandamus directing the government to allocate ₹50 crore to the Jamkhandi Assembly Constituency, bringing it at par with other constituencies in Bagalkot District.
As an interim measure, the petitioner urged the Court to direct the State to reconsider his representation dated September 9, 2025, and sanction equal funds pending the final disposal of the case.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 31, 2026.
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