New Delhi / Bengaluru: The Supreme Court of India has granted relief to 2009-batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri, staying a High Court order that had directed the state government to grant sanction for her prosecution in a corruption case linked to the alleged “cloth bag scam” during her tenure as Mysuru Deputy Commissioner in 2021.
The top court’s order temporarily halts proceedings requiring the state to reconsider approval for filing an FIR against the senior bureaucrat.
Supreme Court Intervention in the Case
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notices to the complainant and other respondents while staying the High Court’s direction.
The Supreme Court intervention came after Sindhuri challenged the High Court order, which had earlier instructed the Karnataka government to reconsider granting sanction for prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This section requires prior government approval before initiating investigation or prosecution for decisions taken in the discharge of official duties.
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Allegations in the “Cloth Bag Scam” Case
The case relates to alleged irregularities in the procurement of eco-friendly cloth bags during Sindhuri’s tenure as Mysuru Deputy Commissioner.
Key allegations include:
- Procurement of cloth bags at ₹52 per unit through KHDC
- Market price reportedly around ₹13 per unit
- Alleged loss of around ₹5.89 crore to the exchequer
- Alleged diversion of funds from welfare schemes for procurement activities
A Mysuru-based lawyer and social activist filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which later sought approval for registration of an FIR.
However, the Karnataka government reportedly declined approval twice, citing her earlier exoneration in a departmental inquiry.
High Court Order and Legal Battle
The Karnataka High Court had directed the state government to reconsider granting sanction for prosecution in accordance with law.
Following this, Rohini Sindhuri moved the Supreme Court, challenging the validity of the High Court’s directive.
The Supreme Court has now stayed the High Court order, providing interim relief to the officer.
Who Is Rohini Sindhuri?
Rohini Sindhuri Dasari (IAS:2009:KN) is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer of the Karnataka cadre currently serving as Secretary, Labour Department, Karnataka.
Early Life and Education
- Born: 30 May 1984, Andhra Pradesh
- Education: B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT
- UPSC Rank: AIR 43 (2009 batch IAS)
Administrative Career
Rohini Sindhuri has held several important positions in Karnataka, including:
- Assistant Commissioner, Tumakuru
- CEO, Mandya Zilla Panchayat
- Deputy Commissioner, Hassan
- Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru
- Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions & Charitable Endowments Department
- Secretary, Labour Department (present role since June 2025)
She is known for strict administrative style and active field-level governance.
Major Administrative Work
During her career, she has been associated with:
- Digitalisation of tax systems in local administration
- Sanitation and Swachh Bharat Mission initiatives in Mandya
- Management of major religious events like Mahamastakabhisheka in Hassan
- COVID-19 management efforts in Mysuru
- Temple and institutional reforms in Karnataka
Personal Life
- Married to Sudhir Reddy, a software engineer
- Has two children
- Fluent in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English
Significance of the Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court’s stay is significant as it temporarily halts any prosecution proceedings and reinforces judicial scrutiny over sanction requirements under anti-corruption laws involving serving bureaucrats.
The case is expected to continue further hearings in the coming weeks.
