Mysore/Mysuru: The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has intervened to stay the sus-pension of R. Shesha, Town Planner Member (TPM) of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), enforced by the State Government over alleged dereliction of duty.

The stay order, issued on Mar. 20 by the KAT Chairman, came in response to Shesha’s petition. Shesha was suspended on Mar. 15 by K. Latha, Under-Secretary to the Urban Development Department, citing administrative shortcomings.

The case revolves around a proposal concerning the con-version of a 4.19-acre agricultural land in Survey Number 73/1 at Madaragalli Village in Varuna hobli of Mysuru taluk into residential use.

According to the suspension order, Shesha, as a senior officer, purportedly failed to adhere to Governmental directives and neglected to take the required actions outlined in the land conversion proposal, thereby breaching the Karnataka Urban Development Authorities Act of 1987.

Following the suspension, Shesha appealed to the KAT.

After hearing the case and considering both oral and documentary submissions, the Chairman stayed the suspension order and scheduled a further hearing for April 23, 2024. The stay remains effective until the hearing date and until any subsequent orders are issued.