Bengaluru: Karnataka high court has refused to interfere with disciplinary action recommended by Karnataka Information Commission against CL Shivakumar, secretary of Bangalore Development Authority and also an appellate authority under RTI Act.Shivakumar challenged the two orders passed by KIC — first, passed in Jan 2026 imposing Rs 25,000 as cost for failure to furnish the information; second, in Feb 2026, recommending disciplinary action against him.The petitioner argued he took charge as BDA secretary on May 8, 2025, and the order directing providing information preceded that date.Rejecting his argument, Justice Suraj Govindaraj pointed out from May 8, 2025, till KIC passed the orders, there was sufficient time available for Shivakumar to take action in terms of the earlier directions. Hence, his conduct cannot be approved of.The judge granted liberty to BDA to initiate action against Shivakumar’s predecessor on alleged failure to perform duties.Suresh Chandra , applicant in the case, was not provided information sought by him. He approached the BDA secretary, the first appellate authority. As the proceedings remained inconclusive, Babu approached KIC for relief.Since there was no appearance by the BDA secretary on multiple occasions, KIC was prompted to impose a penalty and issue direction for initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
