Karnataka High Court Orders Immediate Transfer of Khanapur Tahsildar Over Non-Compliance in Land Survey Case
Court Pulls Up Officials for Delays
In a sharp rebuke to the administrative machinery, the High Court of Karnataka at Dharwad has ordered the immediate transfer of the Tahsildar of Khanapur, Sri Dundappa, after he failed to comply with a judicial directive issued more than a year ago. The directive was to conduct a land survey based on a 2007 application filed by petitioner Munirahmed Abdulrashid Bagalkoti, which had been linked to Writ Petition No. 114086/2019.
The High Court, comprising Justice S.G. Pandit and Justice Geetha K.B., expressed strong displeasure over what it deemed a deliberate evasion of its order, warning of contempt proceedings.
Background: A 17-Year Wait
At the heart of the case is a petition filed by Bagalkoti seeking a survey of 2 acres and 20 guntas of land in Sy.No.108 of Khanapur. The court had earlier quashed an impugned communication by the Tahsildar in August 2024 and clearly directed the survey to be completed within eight weeks. However, the repeated inaction by the Tahsildar despite multiple extensions compelled the petitioner to move a contempt petition in June 2025.
Advocate Anwar Ali, who represented the petitioner, described the delays as “unacceptable and disrespectful to the judiciary.”
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The administration cannot hide behind excuses when a court of law has issued a clear directive,” said Advocate Anwar Ali, Karnataka High Court.
Tahsildar’s Excuses Rejected
The court noted that the Tahsildar’s assertions—that land records were incomplete, that forest department approval was needed, or that other officials were responsible—were baseless. Particularly, the court dismissed the claim that the land fell within 174 acres of forest area, observing that the petitioner’s land was clearly demarcated and not classified as protected forest.
In a firm order, the court directed the Secretary of the Revenue Department to transfer the Tahsildar out of Khanapur Taluk immediately and appoint another official capable of complying with the court’s ruling.
“The rule of law must prevail. When officials ignore court orders, it is a violation not just of procedure, but of public trust,” added Advocate Anwar Ali.
Fresh Deadlines Issued
The court has now granted a four-week deadline for the Assistant Director of Land Records, Supriya Mumbai, to carry out the survey. Subsequently, the new Tahsildar will have ten days to comply with the rest of the mandate. The matter will next be heard on 10 December 2025, with the court directing the outgoing Tahsildar to appear in person for possible charges.
A Reminder of Accountability
This case stands as a reminder of the accountability expected from government officials and the courts’ power to uphold public interest. As the petitioner continues his 17-year legal battle for what should have been a straightforward land survey, the High Court’s intervention reflects its commitment to justice and administrative discipline.
“People seek justice from the courts when other routes fail,” said Advocate Ali. “It is our duty to ensure that justice is not only delivered but also seen to be delivered.”
The reconstituted team of land officials now has one last chance to correct the violations and restore faith in the system.
💬 Key Quotes
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The administration cannot hide behind excuses when a court has issued a clear directive.”
— Adv. Anwar Ali, Karnataka High Court
“The rule of law must prevail. When officials ignore court orders, it is a violation not just of procedure, but of public trust.”
— Adv. Anwar Ali, Karnataka High Court
