Karnataka Tightens Penalties for Officials and False Grievances Under New Act

The state government announced today that the penalty provisions in the recently enacted Karnataka Grievance Redressal Act have been revised. The amendment raises the financial and custodial punishments for public servants found guilty of abusing their authority, as well as for citizens who lodge baseless or malicious complaints.

Under the new schedule, the maximum fine and imprisonment terms for officials have been increased, and similar escalations apply to false grievance filers. The exact quantum of the penalties will be notified by the department of law and order.

Officials said the changes are intended to deter misuse of power and to unclog the grievance machinery, which has been strained by a surge in frivolous complaints. The revised penalties will come into force from the date specified in the official gazette.