The High Court on Thursday admitted PIL challenging continuation of the service of Mallikarjunaiah, in-charge Controller, Weights and Measurements, at the Metrology Department despite the Lokayukta Court convicting him for accepting bribe. The HC also issued notices to the state government and Karnataka Metrology Department in this regard.
A division Bench, headed by Chief Justice DH Waghela, faulted the government for continuing the official despite his conviction and directed the government to file its objections in the case and issued notices to the Chief Secretary and others.
The Lokyukta had arrested Mallikarjunaiah while accepting a bribe for showing favour to Rajanna based on the latter’s complaint in 2005 and filed a chargesheet. Lokayukta court convicted him of accepting bribe and sentenced him to 18 months RI. Sudarshan Raju and others filed PIL requesting the court to dismiss Mallikarjunaiah.