Wed Nov 19 15:03:56 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the situation described in the provided text, formatted as it might appear on The Hindu‘s e-paper:

Karnataka High Court Halts Suspension of Engineer Who Removed Illegal Banners

Bengaluru, November 19, 2025 (The Hindu e-Paper) – The Karnataka High Court has stayed the suspension of an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) from Ballari City Corporation (BCC), calling the action a “classic case of abuse of power.” Munaph Patel K.P., AEE (Environment), was suspended after he removed illegal banners erected at Sangam Circle by the husband of a BCC councillor, in violation of city regulations.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the interim order after Mr. Patel challenged his October 9th suspension, which was issued by the Urban Development Department based on the BCC Commissioner’s recommendation. The court noted that Mr. Patel was simply enforcing a BCC resolution that prohibited banners and advertisements in 17 specific locations within the city.

“The petitioner who has only performed his duty in accordance with law is now facing the ire of suspension only because it is the political masters who are dictating such orders of suspension albeit prima facie,” the court observed.

The court further expressed shock that the BCC Commissioner, a signatory to the original resolution banning the banners, recommended the engineer’s suspension. The High Court concluded that the suspension order was “on the face of it mala fide and a product of abuse of power” and therefore could not be allowed to stand. The case highlights concerns about political interference in the enforcement of city regulations.

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