Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 20: Senior geologist S N Girish Mohan of the department of mines and geology — earlier trapped by the Lokayukta police in a bribery case, found guilty of misconduct in a departmental inquiry and handed compulsory retirement — has once again approached the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT).
He has filed an application demanding cancellation of the department’s transfer order posting him to Karwar and insisting that he be allowed to continue in Dakshina Kannada district.
The officer, who had earlier returned to service after overturning his compulsory retirement order before the KAT, has once again taken the legal route, triggering intense discussion across the district.
History of the case
March 19, 2013: Lokayukta police trapped him while accepting a bribe; case registered in Udupi district Lokayukta special court.
April 18, 2016: Lokayukta investigation report confirmed misconduct.
March 22, 2018: Government order (CI 59 MGS 2014) imposed compulsory retirement.
July 10, 2019: He won his appeal in KAT (Application No. 2684/2018), leading to reinstatement, which reportedly embarrassed the government.
November 29, 2019: Posted to Mysuru. However, opposing the order, he allegedly continued operating from Mangaluru–Dakshina Kannada.
Violation of service rules
According to the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957 — specifically Rules 10, 11 and 14 — officers facing corruption charges or disciplinary inquiries cannot be assigned key posts, sensitive positions or roles involving public interaction.
Despite this, Girish Mohan has been allowed to continue as senior geologist in Dakshina Kannada, surprising legal experts.
Allegations of political patronage
There are widespread allegations that a close aide of a prominent political leader in Dakshina Kannada has been extending support to the officer, enabling him to secure various relaxations.
The perceived inaction by district-level authorities has further fuelled public dissatisfaction. Plans are reportedly underway to bring the matter to the attention of Rohini Sindhuri, principal secretary (mines and geology).
Widespread public outrage
Granting a key post to an officer previously caught taking a bribe — and now his attempt to block a transfer — has angered many in the well-informed and upright public of Dakshina Kannada.
People are questioning why the officer is insistent on staying in Mangaluru. “Is there so much benefit in remaining in Dakshina Kannada?” has become a commonly voiced concern.
There are also allegations that he has been repeatedly misusing legal provisions by frequently approaching the courts.
A ruling party worker stated that allowing an officer with such a track record to hold an important position raises serious questions about the government’s integrity. “On one hand the government declares zero tolerance against corruption, and on the other hand, officers like this get protection,” he said.
Is the law equal for all in Dakshina Kannada?
If the state government fails to take a clear stand in a case where corruption has already been proven, public confidence may weaken. Service rules would remain only on paper, and Lokayukta investigations would reduce to mere documents.
The case of Girish Mohan is not merely an individual officer’s legal battle; it touches upon the fundamental issues of administrative discipline, transparency and rule of law in the state.
Will those proven guilty of corruption face punishment? Is the law equal for everyone?
The government may soon be required to respond to these pressing public questions.