The Karnataka government has decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in land acquisition processes handled by the Bengaluru Development and Irrigation Departments, both of which fall under Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The move follows growing concern over administrative lapses, mounting court cases, and significant financial implications for the state.

Revenue Department flags delays, legal lapses

During a press briefing on Saturday, Shivakumar revealed that the Revenue Department had recently conducted an internal review within Bengaluru limits. The probe reportedly found that several officials and members of the legal team had delayed proceedings by failing to file applications before the courts in time.

“We have instructed that a detailed report be submitted on this issue. Along with this, a Special Investigation Team will be formed to probe where and how conspiracies have taken place,” Shivakumar said.

The review has uncovered widespread procedural failures in matters relating to land notifications, compensation disputes, and litigation follow-ups.

Irrigation Department faces massive legal backlog

Shivakumar also highlighted lapses in the functioning of the Irrigation Department, noting an enormous backlog of 61,843 pending cases across various courts.

He said that departmental inquiries have already been initiated against several officers found negligent, adding that such officials would be suspended from service. Lawyers representing the state, who failed to file applications on time or displayed dereliction of duty, would be dismissed.

“We have decided to hold both officials and lawyers accountable. Strict action will be taken against all those involved,” he said.

Corporations linked to compensation orders

The Deputy Chief Minister explained that in several cases, while the Revenue Department completed the land acquisition process, the responsibility for compensation payments lay with corporations under the Irrigation Department.

“In some matters, proceedings are being conducted without making these corporations parties to the case. For such matters, we are filing writ petitions in the High Court. In the Supreme Court, we are filing Special Leave Petitions. In certain cases, we are seeking withdrawal,” he said.

Due to procedural lapses, the compensation burden on the state has escalated sharply. Shivakumar cited instances where compensation fixed at Rs 9 lakh ballooned to court orders of Rs 9 crore, Rs 10 crore, Rs 15 crore, and even Rs 20 crore after petitions.

SIT to examine conspiracy angle

The government believes many cases may involve coordinated attempts to inflate compensation, misrepresent land value assessments, or exploit procedural gaps. The SIT will investigate possible collusion between government officials, lawyers, and private claimants.

The team is expected to examine:

  • Irregularities in land evaluation reports
  • Delays in filing affidavits and responses
  • Mishandling of acquisition documents
  • Patterns suggesting deliberate sabotage of government cases

The findings of the SIT will play a crucial role in reshaping how land acquisition-related litigations are handled in Karnataka.

Conclusion

As the Congress-led government attempts to tighten administrative discipline and curb financial losses, the SIT formation marks a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to clean up long-standing irregularities. With tens of thousands of cases pending and compensation amounts skyrocketing due to procedural failures, the coming months will be crucial in determining accountability and restoring transparency in Karnataka’s land acquisition framework