No Partying at this Bar: PWD Suspends Officials who Celebrated Birthday inside Karnataka HC after Disabling CCTV
The serious security lapse within the premises of the Karnataka High Court has sparked concerns about the level of security enforcement within the top courts.

The Karnataka High Court recently witnessed an unexpected breach of protocol when five officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) organized a birthday celebration inside the high-security court building after disabling its CCTV cameras.
The incident, which has raised serious concerns about workplace discipline and security, has led to the suspension of the officials involved, pending a departmental inquiry.
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A complaint about the incident surfaced on March 10, 2025, following which BV Jagadeesh, Chief Engineer (Communication and Building-Central) from Shivamogga, was appointed as the enquiry officer. His investigation found that the CCTV cameras inside the High Court building were switched off between 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm during the celebrations, compromising the security of the premises.
The birthday party, held on February 22, 2025, was allegedly organized without any prior permission. First division assistant GH Chikkegowda and assistant engineers Lavanya, Meena AT, Naveen, and Amin S Anandini were suspended on April 5, 2025, after an internal enquiry confirmed their participation.
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The enquiry revealed that the party was organized to celebrate the birthday of Meena AT, who was on deputation to the Urban Development Department and not officially posted at the High Court.
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The inquiry further unearthed that on the instructions of Chikkegowda, employees Ambika, Megha, Rajanish, and Venkatamma arranged the party, with Venkatamma personally switching off the CCTV feed from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm.
While Themis’ eyes are bound by cloth, it now seems that the Government has taken it a notch further and bound the all seeing eyes of the Law by switching off the cameras in their own premises.
The celebratory mood was cut short with suspension notices citing violations of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. The government order also reminded its employees that government offices are meant for the celebration of distinguished persons or officially notified events — not for surprise birthday bashes within high-security court buildings.
The disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials are now pending, with developments underway.
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