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Team Udayavani, Jan 30, 2025, 9:10 AM IST
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court issued a stern warning to the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, over the failure to take action against Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and his relatives in connection with the alleged encroachment of 14 acres of government land in Ketaganahalli, Bidadi Hobli, Ramanagara district.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the division bench headed by Justice K. Somashekar slammed the state government for not implementing the Lokayukta’s order in the case. The court made it clear that if its orders were not followed, it would not hesitate to take strict action, including imprisonment.
“If you do not comply with the court’s orders, we will show no leniency. Spending 15 days in jail might set things right for you,” Justice Somashekar remarked, issuing a harsh reprimand to Kataria.
The case stems from a civil contempt petition filed by S.R. Hiremath-led Samaja Parivarthana Samudaya, alleging that the state government failed to act on the Lokayukta’s directives regarding the land encroachment charges.
During the proceedings, Kataria attempted to explain the steps taken by the government so far, but the court rejected his justifications, citing a Supreme Court ruling (K. Vasudevan vs. T.R. Dhananjay case) that states no leniency should be shown in cases of public interest.
“Kumaraswamy and his relatives hold high positions. Have you done anything about this in the past five years? I am giving you two more weeks. Either you take action, or admit that you are incapable, and I will send you where you belong,” Justice Somashekar warned.
Further, the court dismissed the government’s request for a three-month extension to implement its orders, stating that such delays would not be tolerated. The judge also suggested that if officials’ salaries were withheld until the orders were followed, they might take the matter seriously.
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