The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed for eight weeks further proceedings against IAS officer M.K. Aiyappa in a case related to the creation of false documents with respect to a piece of acquired property and alleged corruption in discharge of duty as Deputy Commissioner, Bangalore Urban district.
Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh passed the interim order on a petition filed by Mr. Aiyappa challenging the October 30, 2012 order of the Special Lokayukta Court asking the Lokayukta Police to investigate the complaint.
It was alleged in the complaint filed by one Markandayya S. Gombe of Bangalore that an individual and revenue officials had created false documents of land grant with respect to a piece of property acquired for Sri Vinayaka House Building Cooperative Society at Nagarabhavi and permitted sale of the land.
The case
The complainant had alleged that revenue officials ordered restoring a portion of the acquired land to one Galihanumamma and others under the provisions of the Karnataka SC and ST (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act while annulling the sale of sites formed on that piece of land.
The complaint had alleged that false documents were created to enable Ms. Galihanumamma to sell the land.
However, Mr. Aiyappa contended he hadn’t granted or recommended any such permission and questioned the action of the Special Court directing an investigation in the absence of a sanction to prosecute a public servant.
He also contented the complaint does not have the ingredient of any offence and was aimed at harassing him.
Remarks
During the hearing, it was pointed out to the High Court that the presiding officer of the Special Court had passed certain remarks on him in the open court.
Following this, Justice Ramesh said the Lokayukta Special Court referring the case for investigation appears to be “without application of mind, and it also appears to be a serious issue to be taken note of”.
