No complaint against officials without verification: Karnataka Govt

Government departments are now barred from filing complaints against officials and other government servants based on anonymous complaints. What's more? A complaint can be registered against an official only after verifying the credentials of the complainant.

This is according to a circular issued by Chief Secretary P Ravikumar on March 5.

"Cases against government officials/employees, in some cases, are due to personal animosity, jealousy or due to prejudice," the circular said, noting that complaints lacking supporting information and documents have affected the "fair and fearless discharge of their duties."

A petition by Karnataka State Government Employees Association to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had highlighted that many were using false names and addresses to file complaints against government officials, resulting in unnecessary inquiries against them. Following the petition, the CM had issued directions to stop such complaints, the circular said.

"When a complaint is received, primary investigation can be ordered only after verifying the name and address of the complainant, and if the supporting documents submitted by the complainant prima facie indicated wrong-doing," it said.

According to sources, the order could affect whistleblowers as there was no provision to ensure that the details of the complainant is kept confidential. "Moreover, in many cases involving government tenders, most of the complainants are other contractors who feel hard done by. Such measures prevent them from filing anonymous complaints, as they can't risk coming out in the open and hurting their future prospects," sources added.