The Karnataka High Court has temporarily stayed the suspension order of K J Jalajakshi, a Deputy Secretary in the Karnataka State Legislative Council, who was accused of not ensuring the presence of Dr B R Ambedkar's photograph during a Constitution Day function held on November 26, 2024.
The interim relief was granted on July 8, 2025, by Justice H T Narendra Prasad, who passed the order while hearing the writ petition filed by Jalajakshi challenging his suspension. The court issued notices to the respondents and directed them to file their response, staying the operation of the suspension order dated July 4, 2025, until the next hearing.
"It is made clear this order will not come in the way of the competent authority to initiate any departmental enquiry against the petitioner, in accordance with law," the court clarified, allowing the authorities to proceed with a lawful inquiry if necessary.
The suspension was initiated under Rule 10(1)(d) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957, citing gross dereliction of duty by the petitioner. However, Jalajakshi, through his counsel Advocate Raghavendra G. Gayatri, argued that he had no role in conducting or overseeing the Constitution Day function.
The impugned order does not speak anything as to the responsibility of the petitioner was bestowed upon in the said function, submitted the petitioner's counsel during the hearing. He emphasized that senior officials such as the Secretary and Joint Secretary, who were present at the function, were not subjected to any disciplinary action.
The plea also alleged that the suspension appeared to be a move to hinder the petitioner’s expected promotion to the post of Joint Secretary. It was further argued that the action taken lacked proper reasoning and was an outcome of non-application of mind.
"Even the impugned order is passed after more than seven months delay and without considering relevant facts," the petitioner's counsel stated, underscoring procedural lapses.
The petition urged the High Court to quash the suspension, asserting that mere presence in the Legislative Council does not justify penal action without a defined responsibility in the event.
In its interim order, the court allowed hand delivery of the order and granted liberty to the respondents to file an application for modification or vacation of the stay. The matter will now be listed for the next hearing, where the court is expected to examine the submissions in detail.
Case Title: K J Jalajakshi vs The Honourable Chairman
Case Number: WP 19864/2025
Advocate for Petitioner: Raghavendra G. Gayatri
Judge: Justice H T Narendra Prasad
Order Date: July 8, 2025
Suspension Date: July 4, 2025
Function Date: November 26, 2024