“The spectre of corruption once raised, on the basis of material placed on record, cannot be summarily extinguished at the threshold,” stated Justice M Nagaprasanna of the Karnataka High Court, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations against IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri. The court has directed the state government to grant approval for the prosecution of Sindhuri in connection with a case involving the procurement of eco-friendly bags, which has raised serious concerns regarding financial misconduct.
At the heart of the case is a complaint filed by NR Ravinchandre Gowda, a lawyer and social activist from Mysuru, alleging that the state government incurred a loss of approximately Rs 7.5 crore due to the purchase of over 14 lakh eco-friendly cloth bags in 2021. The bags were reportedly acquired at a price of Rs 52 each, significantly higher than the market price of Rs 13.
During the proceedings, the Karnataka High Court criticized the state government for initially denying permission to investigate the matter under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked, “Departmental proceedings and criminal prosecution operate in distinct spheres, governed by distinct standards of proof and objectives.” This statement underscores the court’s position that allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated rather than dismissed outright.
Rohini Sindhuri, a senior officer from the 2009 IAS batch of the Karnataka cadre, served as the deputy commissioner of Mysuru and was also the managing director of the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation during the time of the alleged misconduct. The court’s ruling comes amidst a broader context of scrutiny over public officials and their financial dealings.
Justice M Nagaprasanna further stated, “Section 17A should not be used to block serious investigations; it is only meant to stop false complaints.” This comment highlights the court’s commitment to ensuring that genuine allegations are not stifled by procedural barriers. The court ordered the state government to provide the necessary permissions for the Lokayukta police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Sindhuri, paving the way for a formal investigation into the claims.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly given the public feud between Rohini Sindhuri and IPS officer D. Roopa earlier in 2023, which had already placed Sindhuri in the spotlight. The ongoing developments in this case are likely to impact the perception of integrity within the Karnataka administrative services.
As the situation unfolds, the Karnataka High Court’s insistence on a thorough investigation reflects a broader judicial commitment to addressing corruption within public office. The court’s actions signal that allegations, especially those involving substantial financial losses to the state, will be taken seriously and pursued with diligence. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps in the prosecution process, but the implications of this case are expected to resonate throughout the state’s governance framework.
