The Karnataka High Court has dismissed two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Public Works Department (PWD) and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Department. The petitions, which sought a high-level inquiry into tendering processes, payments, and unauthorized contractor advances from 2016-17 to 2021-22, were rejected by a division bench comprising Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice M I Arun.

While delivering the order, the bench observed that the PILs were based on general assertions without substantial evidence to warrant judicial intervention. The court stated:

"Upon going through the averments and hearing the submission of the advocate, the petition is based on general assertions. On the basis of general details, public interest jurisdiction cannot be exercised. Not only that, the petitioner has the remedy of approaching the Lokayukta or to pursue legal remedy if the individual cases are detected."

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Following this, the court dismissed the petitions filed by petitioner Gurunath Vadde.

The petitioner had relied on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report to substantiate claims of irregularities in the departments. The report allegedly pointed to discrepancies in tender issuance, payment processing, and unauthorized financial advances.

However, the bench questioned the petitioner's legal standing to demand an investigation, stating:

"What is the prima facie material on hand to show that there have been certain malpractices? If you are aggrieved by the CAG report, then file a complaint before the Lokayukta. They will look into it."

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The court further added:

"The administration cannot function if we allow a roving inquiry into each and every complaint made against the government."

The High Court emphasized that the petitioner had the option to approach the Lokayukta or seek other legal remedies rather than filing a PIL based on broad allegations. The bench clarified that a general grievance against a government department is insufficient to invoke public interest jurisdiction in the court.

Case Title: Gurunath Vadde vs. State of Karnataka

Case Numbers: WP 2036/2024 & WP 1040/2024