- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 10TH DAY OF JUNE, 2026 PRESENT THE HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANU SIVARAMAN AND THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VENKATESH NAIK T WRIT APPEAL NO. 1500 OF 2024 (S-RES) C/W CIVIL CONTEMPT PETITION NO. 563 OF 2024 IN WA No. 1500/2024: BETWEEN: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY MINOR IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ROOM NO.208, 2ND FLOOR VIKASA SOUDHA BENGALURU-560 001 2. THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU-560 024 …APPELLANTS (BY SRI. REUBEN JACOB, AAG A/W SRI. VIKASH ROJIPURA, AGA) Digitally signed by PAVITHRA N Location: High Court of Karnataka - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AND: 1. SMT. PADMA R D/O RAJU K N AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU-560 024 2. SMT. GEETHA B. W/O RAGHAVENDRA.B.C AGED ABOUT 44 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROURID FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 3. SMT. POORNIMA.P.N.R. D/O LATE A. RAMACHANDRA RAO, AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 4. MOHAN KUMAR.R. S/O RAMAKRISHNA AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 5. B.P.SOMASHEKAR S/O PUTTASWAMEGOWDA AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 6. YAJUVENDRA RAJE URS. B.N. S/O LATE. NANJUNDARAJ URS. B.N. AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, WORKING AS COMPUTER PROGRAMMER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 7. SRI RAJAPPA K M S/O K.G. MANJAPPA, AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS, - 4 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 WORKING AS ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MALNAD SIRI BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, SAGAR ROAD, SHIVAMOGGA-577201 8. SMT. SHILPA PATIL W/O MANJUNATH, AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M.A.D.B, BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, SAGAR ROAD, SHIVAMOGGA-577 201 9. ANAND.M S/O N. MOHAN AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M.A.D.B, BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, SAGAR ROAD, SHIVAMOGGA-577201. 10. SHIVAKUMAR S/O BHARAMAPPA. AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, - 5 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 M.A.D.B, BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, SAGAR ROAD, SHIVAMOGGA-577201 11. SOMASHEKARA.C. S/O GURUSIDDAPPA AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M.A.D.B, BUILDING 1ST FLOOR, SAGAR ROAD, SHIVAMOGGA-577 201 12. GURUPRASAD.V.N. S/O LEELAKANTA GUPTA, AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SRI RAMA SKANDA, 4TH CROSS, P.G. LAYOUT, SADASHIVANAGAR, KUNIGAL ROAD, TUMKUR -572105 13. SMT. PRATHIMA M.T. W/O MOHAN KUMAR AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SRI RAMA SKANDA, 4TH CROSS, P.G. LAYOUT, - 6 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 SADASHIVANAGAR, KUNIGAL ROAD, TUMKUR -572 105 14. B.L. PRASAD, S/O LAKSHMAIAH, AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SRI RAMA SKANDA, 4TH CROSS, P.G. LAYOUT, SADASHIVANAGAR, KUNIGAL ROAD, TUMKUR -572105. 15. KUMAR.K.S. S/O LATE. SIDDALINGAIAH. AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SRI RAMA SKANDA, 4TH CROSS, P.G. LAYOUT, SADASHIVANAGAR, KUNIGAL ROAD, TUMKUR -572105 16. JAGADEESH NAYAKA S/O LATE. SHIVALINGAPPA K.O. AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SAROJA NILAYA, OPP: SRI VARI CLINIC, - 7 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 OLD K.S.R.T.C. DEPOT ROAD, CHITRADURGA- 577 501 17. B.H. NAGARAJ S/O LATE. HONNAPPA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SAROJA NILAYA, OPP: SRI VARI CLINIC, OLD K.S.R.T.C. DEPOT ROAD, CHITRADURGA- 577 501 18. MOHAMAD ALTHAF S/O LATE. MOHAMAD RAHAMATULLA AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SAROJA NILAYA, OPP SRI VARI CLINIC, OLD K.S.R.T.C. DEPOT ROAD, CHITRADURGA- 577 501 19. LOKESH H S/O LATE. HARALAPPA AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SAROJA NILAYA, OPP SRI VARI CLINIC, OLD K.S.R.T.C. DEPOT ROAD, CHITRADURGA-577501 - 8 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 20. MOHAMAD ASHWAQ ULLA, S/O LATE. MOHAMAD RAHAMATH ULLA, AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PUSHPAGIRI, IMANMATTI DAVANAGERE -577001 21. VISHWANATH S/O SHEKARAPPA, AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PUSHPAGIRI, IMANMATTI DAVANAGERE -577001 22. KIRAN KUMAR KATENAVAR S/O NINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NEAR YOGA MANDIR, BEHIND LIC OFFICE, KOPPALA COLONY, COURT ROAD, SIRSI-581402. 23. SANKETA SHIVAPUTRAPPA PUJARI S/O SHIVAPURTRAPPA AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION - 9 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SECTOR NO.32, PLOT NO.51, NAVANAGAR, BAGALKOT- 587103. 24. V.E. NATARAJ S/O ESHWARA CHARI MUNISHAMACHARI AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND CROSS, GUNDAPPA LAYOUT, RAJIV NAGAR BENGALURU ROAD, CHINTHAMANI - 563 125, CHIKKABALLAPURA DISTRICT 25. MANJUNATHA NEELAKANTAPPA NADAGOUDAR S/O NEELAKANTAPPA NADAGOUDAR AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, C/O PUBLIC WORKS AND AMP; IWT, Q.A DIVISION OFFICE, KUNDANGAR MARG, KELAGERI ROAD, DHARWAD-580001 26. KUM. ASHALATHA HUNASIMARAD, D/O BASAPPA AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, - 10 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 C/O PUBLIC WORKS AND AMP IWT, Q.A DIVISION OFFICE, KUNDANGAR MARG, KELAGERI ROAD, DHARWAD-580001 27. MANJUNATH HADAPAD S/O SHIVAMURTHI AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, C/O PUBLIC WORKS AND AMP; IWT, Q.A DIVISION OFFICE, KUNDANGAR MARG, KELAGERI ROAD, DHARWAD-580001 28. VITTAL S. PUJAR S/O SHIVAPPA PUJAR AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NO.4032, NEAR ANIKETHANA NURSING HOME, K.K. COLONY, VIJAYAPURA 586109. 29. SIDDARUDHA MANAPPA BADIGER S/O MANAPPA BADIGER AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NO.4032, NEAR ANIKETHANA NURSING HOME, K.K. COLONY, - 11 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 VIJAYAPURA 586109 30. SIDDARAYA BARAMA SHETTY S/O SHIVALINGA BARAMA SHETTY AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CTS NO.7313, SECTOR NO.10, NEAR SIDDANAL BUS STOP MAHANTHESH NAGAR, BELGAVI-590016. 31. VIJAY CHANDRASEKHAR PUJARI S/O CHANDRASEKHAR PUJARI AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CTS NO.7313, SECTOR NO.10, NEAR SIDDANAL BUS STOP MAHANTHESH NAGAR, BELGAVI 590016 32. D.N. KRISHNAPPA S/O LATE. NARASIMAIAH AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024. - 12 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 33. SIDDALINGAIAH S/O LATE GUDDAIAH, AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL, BENGALURU-560024 34. GIRISH KUMAR S S/O LATE SRINIVASAIAH, AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL, BENGALURU-560024 35. PAVAN R S/O LATE NARASIMAIAH, AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL, BENGALURU-560024 36. J RAGHAVENDRA - 13 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 S/O JAVAREGOWDA, AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL, BENGALURU-560024 37. PUNDLIK C PATTAR S/O CHANDRAPPA, AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVAN, BELLARY ROAD, HEBBAL, BENGALURU-560024 38. NIRANJANA K S S/O SHESHEGOWDA, AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, OPP: TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, NEAR B.G.S. COLLEGE, HOUSING BOARD, CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102 39. SHANTHEGOWDA H K S/O KARIGOWDA, - 14 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, OPP: TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, NEAR B.G.S. COLLEGE, HOUSING BOARD, CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102 40. SHASHIKUMAR B S/O T M BABU, AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, OPP: TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, NEAR B.G.S. COLLEGE, HOUSING BOARD, CHIKKAMAGALURU-577102 41. VISHWANATH BABU S/O M NANJUNDAPPA, AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 5TH CROSS, SAPTHAGIRI LAYOUT, ANTHARGANGE ROAD, KEELUKOTE, KOLAR-563101 42. SMT. ANITHA B D W/O NAGARAJU B G, AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT, - 15 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PWD QUARTERS, KAVERI 1ST MAIN, 4TH CROSS, GANGA ROAD, ACB POLICE STATION OPPOSITE M G ROAD, HASSAN-573201 43. NAGARAJU B G S/O GURULINGE GOWDA, AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PWD QUARTERS, KAVERI 1ST MAIN, 4TH CROSS, GANGA ROAD, ACB POLICE STATION OPPOSITE M G ROAD, HASSAN-573201 44. KRISHNA M S/O LATE MARIYAPPA, AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PWD QUARTERS, KAVERI 1ST MAIN, 4TH CROSS, GANGA ROAD, ACB POLICE STATION OPPOSITE M G ROAD, HASSAN-573201 - 16 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 45. LINGAYYA V KITTURMATH S/O LATE VEERAYYA, AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, C/O TUNGA MELDANDE YOJANE BUILDING, U.T.P COLONY, D C OFFICE ROAD, HAVERI-581110 46. NAGESH LAMANI S/O LATE MAHADEVAPPA, AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, C/O TUNGA MELDANDE YOJANE BUILDING, U.T.P COLONY, D C OFFICE ROAD, HAVERI-581110 47. IMAMJAFER B NADAF S/O LATE BABAJAN, AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, C/O TUNGA MELDANDE YOJANE BUILDING, U.T.P COLONY, D C OFFICE ROAD, HAVERI-581110 48. D GOPAL S/O DASARI ANJANEYA - 17 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NO.1-5-166 BESIDE BALAJI COMPLEX OPP. GOVT. PU BOYS HOSTEL (STAR FUNCTION HALL) GOODS SHED ROAD RAILWAY STATION AREA RAICHUR-584 101 49. SHAIK RAHEEMUDDIN S/O SHAIK JAFFER AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NO.1-5-166 BESIDE BALAJI COMPLEX OPP. GOVT. PU BOYS HOSTEL (STAR FUNCTION HALL) GOODS SHED ROAD RAILWAY STATION AREA RAICHUR-584 101 50. Y. GOPAL REDDY S/O Y. SHESHIREDDY AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS, WORKING AS NIGHT WATCHMEN KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NO.1-5-166 BESIDE BALAJI COMPLEX OPP. GOVT. PU BOYS HOSTEL (STAR FUNCTION HALL) GOODS SHED ROAD RAILWAY STATION AREA RAICHUR-584 101 - 18 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 51. PRADEEP KUMAR K S/O KRISHNAPPA, AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 5th CROSS, SAPTHAGIRI LAYOUT, ANTHARGANGE ROAD, KEELUKOTE, KOLAR 563 101 52. SURESH KUMAR V G S/O LATE GANGADHAR GOWDA AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ENGINEER, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 5th CROSS, SAPTHAGIRI LAYOUT, ANTHARAGANGE ROAD KEELUKOTE, KOLAR 563 101 53. C R JALAJAKSHI W/O K N LAKSHMIPATHI AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DISTRICT OFFICE 2ND CROSS, GUNDAPPA LAYOUT, RAJIV NAGARA, BENGALURU ROAD, CHINTHAMANI 563 125 CHIKKABALLAPURA DISTRICT - 19 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 54. RAJESH MADEVA NAIKA S/O MADEVA NAIKA AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CTS NO. 7313, SECTOR NO. 10 NEAR SIDDANAL BUS STOP, MAHANTHESH NAGAR, BELAGAVI 590 016 55. A VEMANA GOUDA S/O A HANUMAN GOUDA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS WORKING AS ACCOUNTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M G NAGAR, 2ND CROSS, DAM ROAD, HOSPET-583201 VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT 56. NAGARAJ S S/O SHIVASHANKARAPPA AGE ABOUT 39 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY M G NAGAR, 2ND CROSS, DAM ROAD, HOSPET-583201 VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT 57. J MANIKANTA S/O J MUNIYAPPA - 20 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AGED ABOUT 23 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M G NAGAR, 2ND CROSS, DAM ROAD, HOSPET-583201 VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT 58. RAVINDRA M G S/O M KALLANAGOWDA AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M G NAGAR, 2ND CROSS, DAM ROAD, HOSPET-583201 VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT 59. D K SHAMBULINGA S/O D S KOTRAPPA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT SOCIAL SPECIALIST KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PUSHPAGIRI, 775/9.11, HADADI MAIN ROAD, LOKIKERE CROSS, VIMANAMATTI DAVANAGERE-577005 60. PRABHURAJ S/O N DEVAPUTRA AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT - 21 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NO.1-5-166, BESIDE BALAJI COMPLEX, OPP. GOVERNMENT PU BOYS HOSTEL (STAR FUNCTION HALL) GOODS SHED ROAD, RAILWAY STATION AREA, RAICHUR-584101 61. V NAGARAJ S/O VENKATAIAH AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT SOCIAL SPECIALIST KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND CROSS, GUNDAPPA LAYOUT, RAJIV NAGAR BENGALURU ROAD, CHINTHAMANI-563125, CHIKKABALLAPURA DISTRICT 62. RAMACHANDRA K C S/O CHIKKA KEMPANNA AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND CROSS, GUNDAPPA LAYOUT, RAJIV NAGAR, BENGALURU ROAD, CHINTHAMANI-563125, CHIKKABALLAPURA DISTRICT - 22 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 63. C V MANOHAR S/O G VENKATESH AGED ABOUT 56 YEARS, WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND CROSS, 5TH CROSS, SAPTHAGIRI LAYOUT ANTHARGANGE ROAD, KEELUKOTE, KOLAR-563101 64. SMT.SHAMMI M W/O PRASHANTH NADAKARNI AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NEAR YOGA MANDIR, BEHIND LIC OFFICE, KOPPALA COLONY, COURT ROAD, SIRSI-581402 65. BHASKAR I GOWDA S/O ISHWAR GOWDA, AGE ABOUT 36 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NEAR YOGA MANDIR, BEHIND LIC OFFICE, KOPPALA COLONY, COURT ROAD, SIRSI 581402. 66. SANDHYA R W/O NIRANJANACHAR H , AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, WORKING AS FINANCE MANAGER, - 23 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PWD QUARTERS, KAVERI 1ST MAIN, 4TH CROSS, GANGA ROAD, ACB POLICE STATION OPPOSITE M G ROAD, HASSAN - 573201. 67. MOHAMAD MASLUDDIN S/O SALEEM MEYA, AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT SOCIAL SPECIALIST, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, BIDAR. 68. SANGAPPA S/O SHIVARAJ AGED ABOUT 44 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, BIDAR. 69. SMT SHOBHAVATHI W/O MUKUNDAPPA AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, BIDAR. 70. KAVITHA SHIVAPUTRAYYA KARADAMATH D/O SHIVAPUTRAYYA DUNDDAYYA KARADAMATH AGED ABOUT 37 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER - 24 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, BAGALKOTE. 71. DEEPA S NANDI W/O RAKESH AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT SOCIAL SPECIALIST, KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NO. 4032, NEAR ANIKETHANA NURSING HOME, K K COLONY, VIJAYAPURA 586109. 72. MOHMMAD RAFIQ BADEGHAR S/O ABDUL QADAR, AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NO.4032, NEAR ANIKETHANA NURSING HOME K K COLONY, VIJAYAPURA - 586109 73. SMT. R S KARUNA W/O RAVISH K M AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT/ INCHARGE MANAGER ADMN AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. - 25 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 74. SMT B G BHAGYASHREE W/O HIRANNAIAH AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 75. SMT. A JAYALALITHA W/O S V RAGHAVENDRA AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 76. SRI VENKAT SWAMY S/O ADISESHA REDDY AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS, WORKING AS COMPUTER PROGRAMMER AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 77. SMT. LAKSHMI V W/O HEMANTH KUMAR V AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, - 26 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 78. SMT. K S HAMSAVATHI D/O NANJAIAHA M, AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 79. SMT. ASHA W/O NAGARAJU M K AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 80. SMT ASHA T C W/O NAGARAJ S AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS, WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, - 27 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 81. SRI M MURTHY S/O MUDDAIAH AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 82. SRI MEHABOOB PATEL U KHANAVARA S/O USMAN PATEL AGED ABOUT 37 YEARS, WORKING AS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, VIJAYAPURA DISTRICT OFFICE VIJAYPURA - 586101. 83. SRI KRISHNA U DESHAPANDE S/O UDUPI RAO AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, BAGALKOTE - 587101. 84. SRI T MALLIKARJUNA S/O LATE BASANNA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS, WORKING AS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 28 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CHITRADURGA - 577501. 85. SRI AMARNATH S/O NINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS, WORKING AS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, RAICHUR - 584101. 86. SRI GAUTHAM PRASAD J S/O JAYARAME GOWDA AGED ABOUT 26 YEARS, WORKING AS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MYSURU 570001 87. KUMARI RAJITHA E D/O ESHWAR AGED ABOUT 29 YEARS, WORKING AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 88. SRI PARAMESH S/O MAGAIAH AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER AT - 29 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 89. SRI A V CHANDRA S/O VEERANARASEGOWDA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS, WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 90. SRI NAGENDRA N M S/O MAHADEVSHETTY AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS, WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA, BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL, BANGALORE - 560024. 91. SHI B SHANKAR S/O H BORAIAH AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS WORKING AS ATTENDER AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL - 30 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 BANGALORE 560024 92. SRI GANGARAJU S/O CHIKKABYLAPPA AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR,BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL BANGALORE 560024 93. SRI T MANJU S/O THIMMAIAH T AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS WORKING AS DRIVER AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR, BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD, HEBBAL BANGALORE 560024 94. SRI MAHESH S S/O SIDDAPPA AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS WORKING AS DRIVER AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD HEBBAL BANGALORE 560024 95. SRI RAMESH M S/O LATE MANSINGH AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS - 31 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 WORKING AS DRIVER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD HEBBAL BANGALORE 560024 96. SRI KIRAN H S/O HUCHAIAH AGED ABOUT 23 YEARS WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD HEBBAL, BANGALORE 560024 97. SMT VEDA V W/O G N NAGABHUSHANA AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT AT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD HEBBAL, BANGALORE 560024 98. SMT ARUNA M W/O ANILKUMAR AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS WORKIGN AS JUNIOR ASSISTNT AT - 32 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVANA BELLARI ROAD HEBBAL, BANGALORE 560024 …RESPONDENTS (BY SMT. SUDHA D., ADV. FOR R1 TO R18, R20, R22 TO R30, R32 TO R37, R39 TO R45, R47 TO 49, R51 TO R54, R59 AND R61 TO R72; SRI. K.B.MURALIDHAR, ADV. FOR R73 TO R98; RESPONDENTS 19, 21, 31, 38, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60 ARE SERVED AND UNREPRESENTED; V/C/O DTD: 04.02.2026 - R46 STADS ABATED) THIS WRIT APPEAL IS FILED UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE KARNATAKA HIGH COURT ACT, 1961PRAYING TO SET ASIDE THE ORDER DATED 18.11.2023 PASSED BY THE LEARNED SINGLE JUDGE IN WRIT PETITION No. 245/2022 CONNECTED WITH WP No. 16384/2022, WP No. 18827/2022, WP No. 18285/2023, WP No. 21107/2023 AND ETC. IN CCC NO. 563/2024: BETWEEN: 1. SMT. PADMA R D/O RAJU K N AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS WORKING AS ACCOUNT ASSITANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION - 33 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 2. SMT GEETHA B W/O RAGHAVENDRA B C AGED ABOUT 44 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 3. SMT POORNIMA P N R D/O LATE A RAMCHADNRA RAO AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 4. MOHAN KUMAR R S/O RAMAKRISHNA AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS WORKING AS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION - 34 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 5. B P SOMASHEKAR S/O PUTTASWAMEGOWDA AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS WORKING AS JUNIOR ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 6. YAJURVENDRA RAJE URS B N S/O LATE NANJUNDARAJ URS B N AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS WORKING AS COMPUTER PROGRAMMER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 7. RAJAPPA K M S/O K G MANJAPPA AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS WORKING AS ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT KARNATAKA TANCK CONSERVATION - 35 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MALNAD SIRI BUILDING 1ST FLOOR SAGAR ROAD SHIVAMOGGA 577201 8. PUNDALIK C PATTAR S/O CHANDRAPPA WORKING AS ATTENDER KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GROUND FLOOR BEEJA BHAVAN BELLARY ROAD HEBBAL BENGALURU 560024 ...COMPLAINANTS (BY SRI. SUDHA D, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA MINOR IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ROOM NO.208 2ND FLOOR VIKASA SOUDHA BENGALURU 560001 REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY ...PROFORMA RESPONDENT 2. YATHISHCHANDRAN G.E. CHEIF EXECUTIVE OFFICER THE KARNATAKA TANK CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BEEJA BHAVANA - 36 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 BELLARY ROAD HEBBALA BENGALURU 560024 ...ACCUSED (BY SRI. REUBEN JACOB, AAG A/W SRI. VIKASH ROJIPURA, AGA FOR PROFORMA R1; ACCUSED 2 - SERVED AND UNREPRESENTED) THIS CCC IS FILED UNDER SECTIONS 11 AND 12 OF CONTEMPT OF COURTS ACT, 1971, R/W ARTICLE 215 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO TAKE COGNIZANCE, SECURE THE APPEARANCE OF THE RESPONDENTS/ACCUSED AND PUNISH THEM FOR COMMITTING CONTEMPT BY WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE OF THE DIRECTIONS OF THIS COURT MADE IN W.P.NO.245/2022, W.P.NO.18827/2022, W.P.NO.16384/2022 AND OTHER CONNECTED MATTERS DATED 18.11.2023 IN AS PER ANNEXURE - A. THIS APPEAL AND CCC, COMING ON FOR ORDERS, THIS DAY, JUDGMENT WAS DELIVERED THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANU SIVARAMAN and HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VENKATESH NAIK T - 37 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 ORAL JUDGMENT (PER: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANU SIVARAMAN) We heard the learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the appellants as well as the learned counsel appearing for the respondents. 2. Learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the appellants submits that the appeal is essentially filed against the finding of the learned Single Judge that Clause-2 of Annexure-C Government Order dated 26.10.2017 contemplated the absorption of all the employees of the Jala Samvardana Yojana Sangha ('JSYS' for short), which was a Society incorporated in the year 2000. It is submitted that a plain reading of the extracted portion of the order itself would show that what was contemplated was only that those employees of the Society who could be absorbed as against the posts created in the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority would be so accommodated. 3. It is submitted that the learned Single Judge has held that the employees of the Society are to be accommodated against the posts created under the Authority - 38 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 and that all of them would have to be absorbed into the services of the Authority. It is submitted that there is no such direction in the Government Order and that since only 50 posts were created in the Authority, only those of the employees of the Society who had the requisite qualifications and the availability of posts to accommodate them could have been absorbed in terms of the Government Order. It is therefore contented that the directions issued by the learned Single Judge to absorb all the employees of the Society by creating further posts, if required, is not warranted in the facts of the case. It is submitted that temporary employees of the Society have no right to claim reguralization in the Authority except in terms of the Government Order. 4. It is further submitted by the learned Additional Advocate General that though there were 67 employees in the three writ petitions, who were the employees of JSYS, only 17 of them can be accommodated against the posts created in the Authority. It is further submitted that in respect of W.P. No.18827/2022 and W.P. No.21107/2023, the 25 writ - 39 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 petitioners were not the employees of JSYS and that they had no claims under the 2017 Government Order. 5. Learned counsel appearing for the respondents, on the other hand, contends that the Society was formed in the year 2000 and the employees of the Society were working from that date itself. It is submitted that the Authority has been formed for the very same purpose and that the employees of the Society who were working for long years are entitled to consideration of their claim for absorption in the Authority. It is further contented that in respect of W.P. No.18827/2022 and W.P.No.21107/2023 also, the employees concerned were working in the Authority itself and had sought absorption in the posts created or by creation of further posts, which also requires a consideration. 6. We have considered the contentions advanced. We notice that the Government Order dated 26.10.2017 as translated, would show that the direction in Clause-2 was only that the employees of the JSYS, which is merged with the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority, would be entitled to be appointed as against the posts created - 40 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 in the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority to the extent available. 7. It is the specific contention of the learned Additional Advocate General that since only 50 posts were created in the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority, those of the employees of the Sangha who were holding the equivalent posts and who were eligible and qualified to be absorbed as against the posts created in the Authority could be considered for absorption and not others. 8. Having considered the Government Order as well as the specific directions as contained in Clause-2 of the operative portion thereof, we are unable to agree with the learned Single Judge that the direction was to absorb all the employees of the Sangha. However, we are of the opinion that in view of the fact that the employees were working from the year 2000 onwards, their claim for absorption is to be considered in accordance with law. 9. In the above view of the matter, this appeal is disposed of clarifying that the employees are entitled to - 41 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 consideration for absorption in terms of Annexure-C Government Order dated 26.10.2017 and especially, in terms of Clause-2 of the operative portion thereof. Those employees of the Society would be entitled to be considered for absorption specifically in terms of the Government Order dated 26.10.2017 and as against the posts which are created in the Authority. Further, the claim of those employees who cannot be so absorbed shall also be considered and appropriate orders shall be passed by the Government. The case of the petitioners in W.P.No.18827/2022 of and W.P.No.21107/2023, who were not the erstwhile employees of the JSYS, shall also be considered in accordance with law by the Government. Necessary shall be done within a period of three months from date of receipt of certified copy of this order. 10. The Contempt of Court Case is closed with liberty to the complainants to file a fresh petition, if the directions are not complied by the respondents/accused. Notice issued to the accused/respondents shall stand discharged. - 42 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:27859-DB WA No. 1500 of 2024 C/W CCC No. 563 of 2024 Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. Sd/- (ANU SIVARAMAN) JUDGE Sd/- (VENKATESH NAIK T) JUDGE PN List No.: 1 Sl No.: 9