Thu Apr 24 17:10:32 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Quashes Disciplinary Proceedings Against BBMP Engineer
**Bengaluru, April 24, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineer, quashing disciplinary proceedings against him for failing to demolish an illegal building. The court determined that the engineer, B.S. Sandeep, could not have acted against the structure due to a Karnataka Administrative Tribunal order maintaining the status quo on the building’s construction.
The case stems from an illegal building in Hombegowda ward. While the BBMP issued notices in August 2013, the Tribunal’s November 2013 order prevented any demolition. Despite this, the Lokayukta launched a suo motu investigation and, based on its findings, the state government initiated departmental proceedings against Sandeep in 2016.
Justice Suraj Govidaraj, in his ruling, stated that an officer is obligated to follow court orders. Since the Tribunal’s status quo order was in effect throughout the Lokayukta’s investigation and the government’s disciplinary actions, the proceedings against Sandeep were deemed unlawful. The court emphasized that non-compliance with the Tribunal’s order could not be considered dereliction of duty. The High Court’s decision highlights the importance of adherence to court orders and the potential repercussions of disregarding them in official actions.
First Piper 