HC allows probe into Kasapa irregularities

The Karnataka High Court has refused to stay the order issued by the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies appointing an investigation officer to probe alleged financial irregularities within the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (Kasapa) for the year 2023–24. The probe includes scrutiny of income, grants, purchases, and sales.

Justice S. Sunil Dutt Yadav, presiding over a single-judge bench, dismissed a petition filed by Kasapa President Nadoja Dr. Mahesh Joshi seeking to quash the orders dated June 26 and 30 issued by the Bengaluru City District Cooperative Registrar and the Society Registrar. These orders had cancelled the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kasapa and called for an inquiry into the functioning of office-bearers, financial grants, and expenditure.

The executive committeee of Kasapa had already cancelled the AGM scheduled for June 29 in Sandur, Bellary, asserting its authority to hold meetings at alternative locations across the state. However, the High Court ruled that the investigation could proceed, subject to the final verdict of the court, and adjourned further hearing to August 4.

The probe was Initiated following complaints from Janagere Venkataramaiah, Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi, N. Hanume Gowda, and others, alleging misuse of funds, unauthorized notices, and illegal amendments during the 2023–24 period. In response, the Deputy Registrar appointed an investigating officer to look into these claims. Kasapa is a prominent institution for the promotion of Kannada language and literature, and the court’s green signal to the probe signals a major step in ensuring transparency in its administration.