Bengaluru: In a significant development, the High Court of Karnataka has directed the Karnataka government to grant approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri and others in connection with alleged irregularities in the procurement of eco-friendly cloth bags during her tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru in 2021.
The court observed that cloth bags available in the open market for around Rs 13 per unit were allegedly procured at Rs 52 per unit, causing substantial loss to the state exchequer. The case pertains to a procurement exercise valued at Rs 7.65 crore, with alleged losses estimated at Rs 5.88 crore.
Karnataka High Court Orders Approval for FIR Under Prevention of Corruption Act
Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order on March 27 while allowing a petition filed by Mysuru-based advocate Ravichandre Gowda NR.
The petition challenged a communication issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), which had rejected approval sought under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for investigation by Lokayukta police.
The High Court directed the Chief Secretary to accord approval within four weeks so that an FIR can be registered and investigation carried out in accordance with law.
The court noted that the approval sought under Section 17A prima facie disclosed elements of corruption.
Court Says Departmental Exoneration Cannot Bar Criminal Investigation
The High Court made a strong observation that even if an officer is exonerated in a departmental enquiry, it does not automatically prevent criminal proceedings.
Justice Nagaprasanna said the government had merely repeated its earlier position despite a coordinate bench previously directing reconsideration of the matter.
According to the court, a further remand would serve no useful purpose, leading it to directly order sanction for FIR registration.
Procurement Allegations: Bags Worth Rs 13 Bought at Rs 52
The complaint alleges that during Rohini Sindhuri’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, an order was issued for procurement of 14,71,458 eco-friendly cloth bags of 5 kg and 10 kg capacities.
The procurement was allegedly approved at Rs 52 per bag including GST, despite similar bags being available in the market at approximately Rs 13.
The total procurement cost stood at Rs 7.65 crore, with alleged loss to the government estimated at Rs 5.88 crore.
The complaint further alleges that funds earmarked for welfare schemes in urban local bodies and gram panchayats were diverted for the procurement exercise.
Legal Timeline of the Case
The matter dates back to 2021 when a complaint was lodged before Lokayukta authorities.
• Complaint forwarded to DPAR on December 17, 2021
• Approval under Section 17A rejected on September 19, 2022
• Matter challenged before High Court in 2025
• Coordinate bench quashed rejection on February 20, 2025
• Government again rejected approval on May 26, 2025
• High Court has now ordered sanction for FIR registration
This latest order effectively clears the path for Lokayukta police investigation.
Who Is IAS Rohini Sindhuri?
Early Life and Education
Rohini Sindhuri was born on 30 May 1984 in Rudrakshapally village of Khammam district, now in Telangana.
She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya and later pursued B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad.
She secured All India Rank 43 in the 2008 UPSC Civil Services Examination, joining the IAS in the 2009 Karnataka cadre.
Administrative Career and Major Postings
Her first posting was as Assistant Commissioner in Tumakuru.
She later served in several major positions:
• Director, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department
• CEO, Mandya Zilla Panchayat
• Deputy Commissioner, Hassan
• Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru
• Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments
• Chief Editor, Karnataka Gazette Department
• Special Secretary, Agriculture Department (Food Processing & Harvest Technology), Bengaluru
Administrative Achievements
Toilet Revolution in Mandya
While serving in Mandya, she led construction of 1.02 lakh toilets within one year, helping the district emerge as a leading performer under Swachh Bharat Mission.
Hassan District Transformation
As Deputy Commissioner of Hassan:
• Successfully managed the Mahamastakabhisheka festival
• Improved district SSLC ranking from 31st to 1st in Karnataka
Mysuru Administration During COVID
In Mysuru, she handled district administration during pandemic management and civic infrastructure coordination.
Key Public Initiatives
Munjaane Programme
An early-morning village outreach programme in Mandya focused on sanitation and citizen interaction.
Spandana Portal
An online grievance redressal system launched in Hassan.
Temple Development and Kashi Pilgrimage
As Commissioner in Muzrai Department, she worked on:
• Daiwa Sankalpa temple infrastructure initiative
• Bharat Gaurav Kashi Yatra special pilgrimage trains
The first journey under the scheme was inaugurated by Narendra Modi.
Controversies Linked to Rohini Sindhuri
Public Dispute with IPS Officer D Roopa
In 2023, Rohini Sindhuri was involved in a high-profile public dispute with D. Roopa involving allegations of misconduct and personal accusations.
The controversy led to transfer of both officers.
Land Dispute Allegations
Singer Lucky Ali publicly alleged illegal land encroachment involving Rohini Sindhuri and her husband.
Current Cloth Bag Procurement Case
The present High Court order marks the most serious legal development against her so far.
Personal Life
Rohini Sindhuri is married to Sudhir Reddy, a software professional and businessman based in Bengaluru.
The couple has two children and she is fluent in Telugu, Kannada and English.
Why This Case Matters
The High Court’s intervention is being seen as significant because it directly overrides repeated administrative reluctance to permit investigation under Section 17A.
The order may also influence how sanction for corruption investigations involving senior bureaucrats is handled in future cases in Karnataka.
