The Hassan District Bar Association has sought the immediate transfer of deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari over alleged misuse of protocol and irregularities in arrangements for the recently concluded Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsava, while warning that it would approach the court if a judicial inquiry is not ordered.
The demands were raised at a news conference, where Karnataka State Bar Council member and former Hassan Bar Association president JP Shekar alleged that the deputy commissioner had exceeded her official powers. The association also accused the district administration of failing to provide transparent information about protocol arrangements and festival-related contracts.
Shekar alleged that influential people and officials were provided protocol vehicles to attend darshan in groups, while ordinary devotees were made to wait for hours. He demanded disclosure of the number of people who received protocol facilities and the criteria used to decide eligibility.
The allegations also included criticism of the deputy commissioner’s response to the controversy. Shekar referred to a social media status posted by the officer that mentioned a lion surrounded by barking dogs. He said the people of Hassan were like lions and warned that officials could be forced to leave the district if public anger grew.
Hassan Bar Association president Karle Mogannagowda said repeated requests for a separate darshan facility for local residents had been ignored. The association has sought clarity on how access was managed during the festival, particularly for residents who were required to wait alongside other devotees.
Mogannagowda further alleged irregularities in tenders connected with lighting, shamiana arrangements, toilets and CCTV installations for the festival. He said the association possessed documentary evidence and claimed that no action had been taken despite complaints to the district in-charge minister. The report did not include a response from the deputy commissioner, the district administration or the minister to these allegations.
The association has demanded a judicial inquiry and urged the chief minister to transfer the deputy commissioner until the allegations are examined. It said it would file a public interest litigation if a proper inquiry was not ordered. The proposed court action and any official response will determine the next stage of the dispute over festival administration, protocol access and procurement in Hassan.
