Karnataka HC Exonerates BBMP Engineer, Confirms Compliance with Tribunal Order

Swift Summary

• The Karnataka high Court quashed an enquiry and charge sheet against BBMP Assistant Engineer BC Sandeep.
• The case concerned alleged inaction by Sandeep regarding unauthorized construction on 7th Cross, Jayanagar 1st Block, despite provisional orders issued in 2013.
• During his tenure, a status quo order was issued by the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal (KAT) on November 25, 2013, preventing any action on the property.
• Justice Suraj Govindaraj found that Sandeep had followed judicial orders and could not act due to the status quo directive.
• A suo motu Lokayukta inquiry was started against him in March 2016; he was later charge-sheeted in July of that year. His name was excluded from a promotion list because of this pending enquiry.
• The High Court clarified its ruling pertained only to Sandeep and not seven other individuals who were also charged.

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indian Opinion Analysis

The ruling reinforces the principle that government officials must prioritize abiding by judicial or tribunal directives over other procedural duties. By emphasizing legal compliance over punitive assessments for actions restricted by higher authorities like courts or tribunals, this decision promotes clarity regarding accountability frameworks within public administration.

The implications of such rulings extend beyond this individual case-highlighting potential procedural safeguards for officials navigating situations where governance goals clash with active court decrees. This balance between administrative discretion and judiciary intervention underscores India’s commitment to rule-of-law principles while aiming to limit misuse of institutional mechanisms such as inquiries initiated under ambiguous circumstances.

To read more: Times of India