Corruption: Zonal DCs reject e-khatas of HC judges, Prakash Padukone and Ex–Chief Secretary to demand bribe

Around 25,000 applications deliberately rejected in the last three months

Bengaluru

In a development that exposes deep-rooted corruption among zonal Deputy Commissioners (DCs) within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, e-Khata applications belonging to distinguished High Court judges, former Indian badminton star Prakash Padukone, and former Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar have reportedly been rejected. These rejections are allegedly aimed at extracting bribes from applicants.

There are approximately 10 zonal DCs functioning within GBA limits, and all are allegedly resorting to unethical practices by deliberately and wrongfully rejecting e-Khata applications. A senior GBA official said “after we learnt about these rejections, we intervened and approved. Now we are carrying out special audit of rejections to ensure this will not be repeated. The previously rejected applications are also approved.”

An internal note of the GBA, accessed by blrpost.com, has flagged large-scale and deliberate rejection of e-Khata applications, stating that nearly 25,000 applications have been rejected over the past three months. The note records that the rejections have affected a wide cross-section of applicants, including former Chief Secretary P. Ravi Kumar, sportsperson Prakash Padukone, and several High Court judges. This clearly indicates that the issue is systemic and not confined to any particular category of citizens.

The internal document observes that the list of rejected applicants is extensive and raises serious concerns about harassment of citizens during the Khata approval process. It calls for the adoption of a strict zero-tolerance policy towards such malpractices. The note further mentions allegations that certain officials are asserting undue authority to delay or reject applications and are resisting accountability measures. It also records that threats of strikes have reportedly been made whenever attempts are initiated to hold erring officials accountable.

The note emphasised the urgent need for exemplary action to prevent misuse of authority and to protect citizens from continued harassment.

According to sources within the GBA revenue department, senior officials, including Special Commissioner (Revenue) Munish Moudgil, are currently reviewing the e-Khata approval process to curb harassment of applicants. This review is being carried out on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D. K. Shivakumar. The minister has reportedly instructed officials to take strict punitive action against those found harassing citizens by deliberately rejecting or delaying genuine applications.

Recommendation for suspension

In an order dated December 16, the Deputy Commissioner (Administration), GBA, wrote to the Chief Secretary recommending the suspension of two revenue officials — D. K. Babu, Deputy Commissioner, Bommanahalli, and Varalakhmamma, Revenue Officer (RO). The communication followed a recommendation made by Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil.

These officials allegedly rejected e-Khata applications despite the files having been cleared by lower-ranking officials, who had recorded remarks stating that the applications were verified and eligible for approval. The revenue department initiated action after receiving a complaint from an applicant, D P Muralidhar.

When this news website’s lead investigator examined the background of D. K. Babu, it was found that a case (No. 640/2016) is pending against him before the Lokayukta court. It was also revealed that the official, along with others, had allegedly created fraudulent Khatas in the Kengeri area.

Dubious protest

Following these developments, certain revenue officials have reportedly threatened to go on mass leave and stage protests against senior GBA officials, claiming that they are being harassed. However, sources allege that in reality, it is these revenue officials—particularly zonal DCs—who have been harassing citizens by rejecting genuine e-Khata applications to demand bribes.

What is e-khata?

E-Khata is a digital property record system designed to replace manual Khata files with an online, transparent, and paperless process. Launched with a mandatory rollout from October 1, 2024, the system enables instant digital issuance of Khatas after due data verification.

It functions as an electronic version of the traditional Khata and is digitally integrated with databases such as Kaveri and BESCOM to simplify ownership verification, property tax payments, and property transfers. The system is fully faceless and contactless, allowing property owners to apply for and receive e-Khata entirely online, thereby reducing the need for visits to government offices.

E-Khata also serves as a legally valid proof of property ownership, facilitating property transactions, bank loans, and asset management, while significantly improving transparency and reducing the scope for fraud.