High-level review leads to transfer and deputation of 48 court officials in Koppal district

Photo: Chandrashekar C, principal district and sessions judge, KoppalKoppal: In a major administrative development, a total of 48 court staff members were either transferred or deputed across various courts in Koppal district.The orders were issued on Feb 23 by Chandrashekar C., the principal district and sessions judge, Koppal, and took immediate effect.The action followed serious allegations that were raised during a Republic Day event, after which permission was granted for surprise visits to courts functioning under the district. Subsequently, notices were issued to certain officials regarding financial transactions, and they were directed to furnish bank statements.AV Kanavi, president of Koppal District Bar Association, confirmed that while several officials submitted explanations and complied with the directions, some reportedly did not furnish the required details. Thereafter, further administrative steps were initiated, culminating in the present large-scale reshuffle.The transfers and deputations covered courts across Koppal, Gangavathi, Kushtagi and Yelburga. These included the principal district and sessions court, the 1st additional district and sessions court sitting at Gangavathi, senior civil judge and JMFC courts, and principal civil judge and JMFC courts in different taluks.The 48 affected officials belonged to multiple cadres, including senior shirastedars, first division assistants and second division assistants. In several instances, officials who were earlier working on deputation had their deputations withdrawn and were directed to report back to their regular postings.Others were transferred to new courts within the district, and in some cases, officials were transferred and then deputed to another court as part of administrative reorganisation.The order stated that the reshuffle was carried out in the interest of smooth administration and effective functioning of courts. All transfers and deputations will remain in force until further orders.The judicial officers concerned were instructed to relieve the transferred and deputed officials on the afternoon of Feb 28, after ensuring that charge was properly handed over in accordance with Rule 24 of the Karnataka Civil Services Rules. The officials were further directed to report for duty at their respective transferred or deputed courts on the forenoon of March 3 without fail.The large-scale reorganisation was considered one of the most significant internal administrative exercises in the district judiciary in recent times, aimed at strengthening discipline, transparency and operational efficiency across courts in the district, said a source.