What observers say
“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, as the court directed the state government to grant approval for the prosecution of IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri. This ruling comes in light of serious allegations regarding the procurement of eco-friendly bags, which has sparked significant public interest and concern.
Rohini Sindhuri, who previously served as the deputy commissioner of Mysuru and the managing director of the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, is at the center of a controversy involving a reported loss of Rs 7.5 crore to the state government. The allegations stem from the purchase of over 14 lakh eco-friendly cloth bags in 2021, which were acquired at a price of Rs 52 each, despite the market rate being only Rs 13.
The complaint was filed by NR Ravinchandre Gowda, a lawyer and social activist from Mysuru, who raised concerns over the inflated costs associated with the procurement process. Initially, the state government declined permission to prosecute under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which aims to protect public servants from frivolous complaints. However, the court emphasized that serious allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated.
Justice M Nagaprasanna further clarified, “Departmental proceedings and criminal prosecution operate in distinct spheres, governed by distinct standards of proof and objectives.” This statement highlights the necessity for a clear distinction between internal inquiries and criminal investigations, reinforcing the court’s stance on the importance of accountability in public service.
In a pointed critique of the government’s handling of the case, the court noted that the state had not adequately reviewed the allegations before denying prosecution. The ruling underscores a growing demand for transparency and integrity within the ranks of public officials, particularly in light of the significant financial implications of the alleged misconduct.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the court has ordered the state government to permit the Lokayukta police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Sindhuri under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This development marks a critical step in addressing the allegations and ensuring that the matter is investigated thoroughly.
Rohini Sindhuri, a senior IAS officer of the 2009 batch from the Karnataka cadre, has previously been involved in a highly publicized feud with IPS officer D. Roopa in 2023, which brought her into the spotlight. The current allegations add another layer to her controversial public profile, as scrutiny over her professional conduct intensifies.
As the situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching for further developments in this high-stakes case, which could set a precedent for how corruption allegations against public officials are handled in Karnataka. The court’s insistence on a thorough investigation reflects a broader commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in governance.
