Karnataka HC Permits Proceedings Against H.D. Kumaraswamy in Land Encroachment Case

Fast Summary

• Karnataka High Court has allowed proceedings related to a summons issued by Ramanagara tahsildar against Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over alleged encroachment of government land in Kethaganahalli, Bidadi hobli, bengaluru South district.
• Teh Division Bench stayed a previous single judge’s order that halted the May 29, 2005 summons. However, it upheld the stay on the Government Order (GO) issued on January 28, 2025 that constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT) for probing alleged encroachments.
• The interim order allows proceedings linked to the tahsildar’s inquiry to continue until September 22 during further hearings.
• State Advocate General argued that while Section 195 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act was incorrectly referenced in creating SIT via GO, Section 28 provides legal basis for tahsildar-issued inquiries and evidence gathering in such cases.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Karnataka High Court’s decision reflects procedural clarity surrounding legal powers under sections of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act. While maintaining neutrality towards allegations against the Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy regarding encroachment claims on government land, this ruling affirms local officers’ authority-specifically tahsildars-to conduct inquiries within their jurisdiction under proper statutory provisions. The continued suspension of SIT-related action indicates unresolved procedural issues regarding its formation and compliance wiht publication requirements.

This case highlights accountability processes and legal scrutiny for politicians facing land allocation disputes while emphasizing greater judicial oversight on administrative actions such as setting up investigation teams without adherence to regulatory standards like gazette notifications.

Read more: [Link Not Provided]