“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. This statement comes as the court directed the state government to grant approval for the prosecution of Sindhuri in connection with a controversial procurement case involving eco-friendly bags.
Rohini Sindhuri, who served as the deputy commissioner of Mysuru and was also the managing director of the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, is at the center of a complaint alleging a significant financial loss to the state government. The complaint, filed by NR Ravinchandre Gowda, a lawyer and social activist, claims that the state incurred a loss of Rs 7.5 crore in the purchase of eco-friendly bags in 2021. The bags were reportedly procured at Rs 52 each, while the market price was only Rs 13, raising serious questions about the procurement process.
In an earlier move, the state government had declined to grant permission for prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which is designed to protect public servants from frivolous complaints. However, the court’s ruling indicates a shift in this stance, emphasizing that allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated and cannot be dismissed without proper inquiry.
Justice M Nagaprasanna further clarified that “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 administrative actions and criminal investigations, particularly in cases involving serious allegations such as corruption.
The court’s decision to order the state government to allow the Lokayukta police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Sindhuri marks a significant development in this case. The complaint revolves around the purchase of over 14 lakh eco-friendly cloth bags, which has drawn public attention not only due to the financial implications but also because of the ethical considerations surrounding government procurement practices.
Moreover, the court criticized the government for its initial reluctance to review the matter adequately, reiterating the importance of accountability in public service. “Section 17A should not be used to block serious investigations, it is only meant to stop false complaints,” Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked, reinforcing the need for transparency and integrity in governance.
Rohini Sindhuri, a senior IAS officer from the 2009 batch of the Karnataka cadre, has previously been involved in a highly publicized feud with IPS officer D. Roopa in 2023, which brought her into the limelight for reasons beyond her professional duties. This latest controversy adds another layer to her already scrutinized career, as the implications of the court’s ruling could have lasting effects on her professional trajectory.
As the case unfolds, the public and legal observers will be keenly watching how the state government responds to the court’s directive and whether the allegations against Sindhuri will lead to further legal action. The emphasis on proper investigation and accountability in this case reflects a broader societal demand for integrity within public service, a sentiment echoed by many in the wake of rising concerns over corruption in government dealings.
