Politicians can interfere in transfers: HC

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday observed that there was nothing wrong in politicians, including MLAs, MPs and ministers, recommending the transfer of government officials, including the police.

Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri said he does not find anything wrong with recommendations by ministers or politicians for the transfer of officials. The judge was hearing a petition filed by V Shashidhar, president of Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha, questioning the refusal of the Anti-Corruption Bureau to probe recommendations by ministers for the  transfer of officials.

Shashidhar, in his petition, contended that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministers were misusing their powers by recommending transfers of police officers, which is a violation of Supreme Court directions.