Hans News Service Bengaluru

TheKarnataka High Court has set aside a trial court order that had directed the transfer of key PSI recruitment scam accused Rudragouda Patil from Kalaburagi Central Prison to Mysuru Central Prison, citing violation of principles of natural justice.

The order was passed by a bench led by Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty while hearing a petition filed by Patil’s wife, Shobha. With this ruling, authorities have now been directed to shift Patil back to Kalaburagi jail.

The High Court observed that before transferring an undertrial prisoner, authorities must provide an opportunity for the accused to present objections. “The failure to hear the accused before shifting him amounts to a violation of natural justice,” the bench noted. The court further criticised the trial court for relying on vague “security reasons” without detailed justification.

It held that merely citing security concerns, without proper examination and reasoning, cannot be grounds for such a transfer. The bench also pointed out that the district court had not conducted a thorough inquiry before passing the order.

Earlier, the Kalaburagi District and Sessions Court had permitted the transfer of Patil to Mysuru prison on January 27, citing security concerns. Challenging this order, his wife approached the High Court. During the hearing, the State argued that the transfer was necessary due to security threats. However, it admitted that the accused had not been heard prior to the decision. Taking note of this, the High Court ruled in favour of the petitioner.

Rudragouda Patil is a prime accused in the PSI recruitment scam, which involves alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority. He was arrested in November 2023 by a special team of the Criminal Investigation Department led by SP Raghavendra K. Hegde.

According to the chargesheet, Patil, a Class-I civil contractor from Kalaburagi, allegedly facilitated cheating in recruitment exams by supplying electronic devices such as Bluetooth gadgets and walkie-talkies to candidates. He is currently booked under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA). The High Court’s order is expected to impact further proceedings in the case.