Government suspends KAS official for “supporting” advertising company

Bengaluru: In a rare move, the state government has suspended a KAS official for withholding key information from his lawyer, helping an advertising firm win a crucial case in the Karnataka High Court.

The BBMP recommended suspension of Sridhar Murthy, deputy commissioner (publicity), after he lost the legal battle in December.

The case concerns Avinashi Advertisers, which was allowed to display advertisements in and around Hebbal flyover by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in May 2018 under a public-private partnership. The company owed Rs 16.27 crore to the BBMP as advertising tax and royalties.

The BBMP first published the demand notice in September 2023. The company appealed, but the BBMP maintained its stand. In November 2023, the company appealed to the Supreme Court and received a positive decision a month later.

During an internal discussion, the BBMP lawyer informed the superiors that the case file was not shared despite repeated requests. The lawyer blamed Murthy for not sharing the file. He was also accused of failing to inform the Special Representative (Inland Revenue) about the court case.

Following an investigation, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath wrote to the government recommending suspension of the KAS officer as he had caused revenue loss of Rs 16.27 crore to the BBMP.

In the suspension order, the government pointed out that the official did not act in the interest of the government despite knowing how sensitive and serious the case was.

Sources said the Supreme Court order has scuppered the BBMP’s attempt to recover Rs 300 crore from many advertisers.