The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Second term unlikely for Venkatachala

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 26, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Second term unlikely for Venkatachala

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has almost ruled out giving a second term to Lokayukta N. Venkatachala whose term ends on June 30.

Speaking to a television channel here on Sunday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said his understanding was that the Karnataka Lokayukta Act did not provide for a second term for the holder of the high office. He would have to consult his Cabinet colleagues and experts on law whether the existing law could be changed to facilitate a second term for Mr. Venkatachala.

It is being stated that Mr. Venkatachala is unwilling to serve a second term if he was not given suo motu powers.

A former judge of the Supreme Court (1993-96), Mr. Venkatachala was earlier a judge of the Karnataka High Court (1977-93). All his predecessors as Lokayukta — A.D. Koshal, Rabindranath Pyne and Abdul Hakim — had served one term each.

Mr. Venkatachala, who was appointed by the S.M. Krishna Government, assumed office on July 1, 2001.

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