PWD officials turn off CCTV to party inside Karnataka High Court; 5 suspended

The Karnataka Public Works Department recently suspended a first division assistant and four assistant engineers for holding an ‘illegal’ birthday party inside the Karnataka High Court building after switching off the CCTV cameras in the High Court premises..First division assistant GH Chikkegowda and assistant engineers Lavanya, Meena AT, Naveen and Amin S Annandini have been suspended pending the completion of a departmental inquiry or until further decisions are made on the disciplinary action to be taken against them.An order issued to this effect on April 5 said that their action of switching off CCTV cameras at the High Court building without permission to hold the birthday celebration reflected a dereliction of duty and was a serious security lapse. Such conduct is not expected from government employees, the order added. Therefore, disciplinary action was recommended against these employees..It was also noted that government offices only host events to celebrate important or distinguished persons, as may be notified by the government. A private birthday party for a staff member at the high-security High Court building constitutes a serious offence, the government order said.A complaint about the birthday celebrations, which reportedly took place in February this year, was filed in March. Following this, the Chief Engineer (Communication and Building), Shivamogga, held an inquiry into the ‘illegal’ birthday celebrations.Apart from the suspended employees, several others were also named for having allegedly planned the party at the High Court building. During the party, the CCTV cameras were switched off, allegedly on the instructions of Chikkagowda.The April 5 order also noted that Lavanya and Amin S Anandini (among the suspended staff), were outsiders and not working at the High Court. Meena AT, whose birthday was celebrated, was also working at the Urban Development Department on assignment, it was further observed..[Read Government Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.