A Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer, who faces allegations of facilitating the illegal diversion of protected forest land in Hassan district, has been appointed to a key administrative position. The officer, K A Jagadeesh, has been posted as the Special Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, raising questions about accountability and administrative procedures.
The Controversial Land Order
The controversy stems from an official order issued by K A Jagadeesh during his previous tenure. He endorsed a tahsildar's finding that classified 61 acres and 32 guntas of land in Survey Number 22 of Tyavalli, Shanthigrama Hobli, Hassan taluk, as 'gomala' land. Gomala refers to village common land traditionally used for grazing cattle. Such land is protected under state law and its diversion for private or commercial use is strictly regulated, often requiring high-level approvals.
The order effectively backed a move that could have led to the alienation of this significant parcel of protected land. The incident came to light following investigations and complaints from local activists and environmental groups, who alleged that the classification was manipulated to benefit private interests.
New Posting Sparks Debate
Despite the pending allegations, the state government proceeded with Jagadeesh's appointment as the Special Deputy Commissioner of Hassan. The posting order was issued on 04 December 2025. This move has ignited a fresh wave of criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations, who view it as a reward for controversial actions rather than an impartial administrative decision.
Critics argue that posting an officer under a cloud of suspicion to a powerful revenue and land administration role undermines public trust. They demand a thorough and transparent inquiry into the original land order before such postings are finalized. Supporters of the officer, however, maintain that he acted based on the reports submitted to him and that the posting is a routine administrative transfer.
Implications and Next Steps
The case highlights the ongoing challenges in managing and protecting ecologically sensitive and common lands in Karnataka. Key implications include:
- Accountability in Bureaucracy: The incident puts a spotlight on the need for clear accountability mechanisms for civil servants involved in land decision-making.
- Protection of Gomala Land: It underscores the vulnerability of gomala lands to encroachment and illegal diversion through administrative loopholes.
- Administrative Transparency: The controversy calls for greater transparency in the posting of officers who are subjects of serious allegations.
All eyes are now on the state government and the relevant departments to see if a formal investigation will be initiated into the land diversion case. The outcome will set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, balancing administrative authority with legal and environmental safeguards.
