High Court in Karnataka halts suspension of administrative figure linked to Legislative Council, involved in Dr. Ambedkar portrait dispute
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted the suspension of KJ Jalajakshi, the Deputy Secretary of the Karnataka State Legislative Council. The suspension, which was enforced in July 2025, was due to the alleged failure to display a portrait of Dr. BR Ambedkar during a Constitution Day event at the Legislative Council Secretariat on November 26, 2024.
The court, presided over by Justice HT Narendra Prasad, ordered a stay of the impugned order dated 04.07.2025. However, the court reserved the liberty for respondents to file an application for the modification or vacation of the interim order.
During the hearing on July 8, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that Jalajakshi had clarified in response to the notice that she had no role or authority in the event held on November 26, 2024. The specific reason for the stay of the suspension is not explicitly stated, but it appears to be due to the delay in the action taken against Jalajakshi.
The court's decision allows Jalajakshi to continue her duties pending the outcome of the case. The court has not yet specified any conditions for the departmental enquiry against Jalajakshi, and the single-judge clarified that the stay order will not prevent the competent authority from initiating a departmental enquiry against her in accordance with law.
It is important to note that the next date of hearing has not been specified in the paragraph. This decision provides a temporary reprieve for Jalajakshi, but the court's final decision will determine the fate of her position.
The incident in question occurred more than seven months ago, and the suspension came as a result. The event, a Constitution Day event, was intended to honour the memory of Dr. BR Ambedkar, a prominent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who was instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution of India.
This news serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the role of the judiciary in upholding the principles of justice and fairness. As the case progresses, more details will likely emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the suspension and the court's decision to stay it.
Politics and general news outlets might report on the Karnataka High Court's temporary stay of the suspension of KJ Jalajakshi, which allowing her to continue her duties pending the outcome of the case. The decision provides a temporary reprieve for Jalajakshi, but the court's final decision will determine the fate of her position. This development underscores the importance of due process and the role of the judiciary in upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
