The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Amendments likely to be delayed

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Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Amendments likely to be delayed

Raghava M.

Bangalore: With the change in government, there is uncertainty over the fate of the ordinance granting suo motu powers to the Lokayukta.

The ordinance was issued by the previous Kumaraswamy Government on September 19, a few days prior to its resignation, and was with Governor Rameshwar Thakur for his assent. Mr. Thakur, however, did not act on the ordinance.

A few days ago, Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde discussed the ordinance with the Governor. But nothing came of the meeting. Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Hegde said that with the BJP-led Government taking charge on Monday, the process of carrying out amendments to the Act may be delayed even further.

He said the new Cabinet will probably want to re-examine the ordinance and the process to carry out the amendment will have to start afresh, Mr. Hegde said.

Long-felt need

The need for amendments to the Lokayukta Act has been the long-felt demand of the institution of Lokayukta. Soon after assuming charge, Mr. Hegde wrote to the Government in August 2006 reiterating the demands made by his predecessor N. Venkatachala.

Among the amendments Mr. Hegde sought was the grant of suo motu power that enables the Lokayukta to inquire into allegations of misconduct and maladminis- tration against government officials, without insisting on affidavits of the complainant. This power, which was withdrawn in 1986, was being enjoyed by Upa Lokayukta against officials coming under his jurisdiction.

Among other amendments, Mr. Hegde has asked the Government to permit the institution to conduct disciplinary inquiry proceedings against officials who have been found by Lokayukta police of amassing wealth and taking bribe. “The services of the judicial officers serving the institution can be used to hasten the proceedings usually conducted by the respective departments,” Mr. Hegde said.

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