Sat Nov 15 14:33:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The Karnataka High Court has ruled against the appointment of politicians without relevant qualifications as chairpersons of government-run enterprises. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by Mr. Nagarajappa, former chairman of Mysore Sugar Company (Mysugar), challenging an inquiry into his tenure. The court upheld the inquiry, which found evidence of significant financial losses (₹127 crore) due to alleged mismanagement and irregularities during Nagarajappa’s time as chairman. The court emphasized that such appointments are detrimental to public interest and that the government should appoint qualified professionals with domain knowledge instead. They also made it clear that the government should act upon the Lokayukta’s findings in the investigation.

News Article:

Karnataka High Court Condemns Political Appointments to State Enterprises

Bengaluru, November 15, 2025 – The Karnataka High Court has delivered a sharp rebuke against the practice of appointing politicians lacking relevant expertise to leadership positions in government-owned companies, stating that such appointments are “detrimental to the public interest.” The ruling came as the court dismissed a petition by Mr. Nagarajappa, the former chairman of Mysore Sugar Company (Mysugar), who sought to quash an inquiry into his tenure.

The inquiry, ordered in 2014 following a 2012 complaint, investigated allegations of misfeasance and financial mismanagement during Mr. Nagarajappa’s leadership of Mysugar between 2008 and 2012. The investigation revealed over ₹127 crore in losses, which the court confirmed were due to Mr. Nagarajappa’s violations of tendering procedures and the use of his authority. The Upalokayukta found prima facie evidence supporting multiple accusations, including irregularities in procurement, liquor unit operations, and unauthorized sugar sales.

Justices D.K. Singh and Venkatesh Naik T., presiding over the Division Bench, asserted that appointing unqualified politicians like Mr. Nagarajappa to such positions compounds the problems of government companies and harms the public. The court emphasized the need for the State government to prioritize “qualified person having sound domain knowledge and professional excellence” for these roles.

The ruling makes clear that the government must act upon the Upalokayukta’s recommendations to recover losses caused by the petitioner as chairman of the company.

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