High time government gave importance to merit: Karnataka high court

BANGALORE: It is high time the government woke up from its deep slumber and recognized competence and merit in promoting individuals to higher posts of authority, the Karnataka High Court said. "Competence has been given a back seat and incompetence has been favoured by the state and its authorities, leading to multiplicity of proceedings before this court and other fora," Justice Ram Mohan Reddy observed. He directed the government to return the amount paid by a Bangalore hotel with 12% interest. He gave the state a week to recover the interest from the salaries of deputy commissioner (excise) JN Someshwara and police inspector (excise), Ulsoor, TR Raghavendra, who the court said were responsible for unnecessary litigation. As per the direction, the authorities have to return the Rs 12,14,005 penalty deposited by the hotel. The interest component of 12% per annum on the amount, applicable from May 16, 2014, has to be recovered from the two officials. As per the law, the licensing authority has to issue a showcause notice to the licence holder and only then can it pass orders on levying penalty for not lifting the sanctioned quota of liquor during any year. During the proceedings, Someshwara told the court that he joined the department as a first division assistant (FDA) in 1981. He claimed to be an arts graduate with no knowledge of law and its application. This elicited a strong reaction from the court. Rezzak Hotels Private Limited, Malleswaram, had challenged the demand notice issued by the DC (revenue), Bangalore, on July 7, 2012 and another one issued by the DC (excise), Bangalore, on June 17, 2013, for not lifting the sanctioned quota of liquor during the year. -TOI