CH NEWS, HASSAN
A major political controversy erupted on Tuesday after a delegation of advocates lodged a formal corruption complaint with the Hassan District Lokayukta against Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda over his public remarks suggesting that offering money to government officials who complete work is a citizen’s duty.
The legal petition, submitted by a team of lawyers led by M.D. Gopalagowda, accused the minister of openly inciting and legitimizing the payment of bribes to public servants. The complainants argued that describing financial kickbacks as an act of respectful moral duty directly violates statutory anti-corruption provisions and undermines transparency across public administration. Demanding strict punitive proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the petition asserted that an elected representative cannot endorse the illicit exchange of money in public offices.
The controversy stems from an official public grievance meeting held at the Sakaleshapura taluk administrative office. In video footage that went viral across social media platforms, Shivalinge Gowda was heard telling attendees that while officials should not forcibly extort bribes, it is the duty of citizens to respectfully offer something to government employees who clear their files. The statement drew immediate objections from attendees, who questioned why salaried government servants should receive private payoffs.
Taking the matter further, prominent social activist Dinesh Kallahalli submitted a formal representation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging the immediate dismissal of the minister from the state cabinet and seeking prosecution under Sections 7, 8, and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Defending his remarks, Shivalinge Gowda issued a clarification stating that his comments were misinterpreted. The minister maintained that he never advocated bribery, claiming he merely asked the public to treat administrative personnel with dignity and respect during official interactions.
