SHIVAMOGGA: The Karnataka government has disclosed in the Legislative Assembly that three revenue department officials in Shivamogga were paid a total of ₹9.65 lakh as temple festival bonuses though they were not eligible for the benefit, prompting administrative action and a probe, according to a written reply submitted in the House.
Payments flagged after deputy commissioner's report
The payment anomaly came to light following a report submitted by the Shivamogga deputy commissioner on 24 July 2026, the government said in response to an unstarred question raised by Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra. The reply was issued by the Minister for Muzrai, K S Basavanthappa.
The government identified the three revenue officials as:
- N G Satyanarayana, Shivamogga Assistant Commissioner — ₹2.84 lakh
- S Ranjith, Thirthahalli Tahsildar — ₹4.25 lakh
- Deepak S, second division assistant handling Muzrai matters at the Thirthahalli tahsildar's office — ₹2.55 lakh
| Official | Designation | Amount received |
|---|---|---|
| N G Satyanarayana | Assistant Commissioner, Shivamogga | ₹2.84 lakh |
| S Ranjith | Thirthahalli Tahsildar | ₹4.25 lakh |
| Deepak S | Second division assistant (Muzrai matters) | ₹2.55 lakh |
Legal position and withdrawal of 2015 order
The government explanation recalled Section 36 of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997, under which temple employees may draw salaries and allowances from temple funds after the temple budget has been approved. It also referred to a government order dated 7 May 2015 that had permitted employees working during temple fairs, festivals and special religious occasions at notified Hindu religious institutions to receive a monthly salary as a festival bonus.
However, the state said an order permitting extension of the benefit to government officials and employees deputed to temple duties had been rescinded after it became apparent that ineligible revenue officials had received bonuses and that temple funds were being misused. The 2015 order was formally withdrawn through orders dated 28 July 2026 and 3 August 2026, the reply added.
Disciplinary steps and transfers
Following the revelations, the government directed the deputy commissioner on 3 August to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the three revenue officials for accepting the festival bonus without verifying the relevant government order, the Assembly reply said. The reply noted that Deepak S has already been transferred.
The Commissioner of Religious Endowments has also intervened and asked the deputy commissioner to pursue further action, the government said. The reply did not detail the specific disciplinary measures proposed or the timeline for recovery of the amounts paid.
Local governance and oversight questions
The episode raises questions about administrative oversight and checks on the use of temple funds administered under the Muzrai department, particularly where government staff are deputed to duties connected with religious institutions. The withdrawal of the 2015 order indicates a policy reversal aimed at preventing recurrence, but it remains unclear how many other instances of ineligible payments were made elsewhere in the State before the order was rescinded.
MLA Araga Jnanendra had sought the information in the Assembly under the framework of legislative oversight. The written reply from the government constitutes the official record of the disclosure; no further statements by the named officials were provided in the reply.
What to expect next
- Disciplinary proceedings against the three identified officials, as directed by the deputy commissioner.
- Potential administrative recovery action if the payments are deemed unauthorised.
- Closer scrutiny of temple fund disbursements and deputation of government employees to Muzrai-related tasks.
The matter centres on balancing statutory provisions under the Endowments Act, historical government orders on festival pay and the need for transparent stewardship of temple finances that often combine public scrutiny and local sentiment in Karnataka's religious landscape.
"The payments came into flash following a report submitted by the deputy commissioner on July 24," the government said in its written reply to the Assembly.
Further developments, including the outcome of the deputy commissioner's disciplinary proceedings and any steps to recover the sums disbursed, will be awaited by officials and legislators in Shivamogga and across the State.
