PIL challenges MLA Shivanna’s appointment as KSPCB Chairperson

Bengaluru A public interest litigation has been filed in the High Court of Karnataka challenging the appointment of Anekal MLA B. Shivanna as the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). A Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice K.S.

Bharath Kumar, before whom the petition filed by advocate Sudha Katwa came up for hearing on Thursday, ordered issuance of notice to the State government. The petition alleges that the appointment, notified on September 25, 2026, is illegal, arbitrary, and violative of the statutory eligibility criteria and prescribed selection procedures. It has been contended in the petition that the Chairperson should be a person with special knowledge or practical experience in environmental protection or administration, as mandated by the Water Act, 1974, and the Air Act, 1981.

It contends that Mr. Shivanna’s background as a social worker and businessman does not demonstrate the required expertise.