Critics set Lokayukta ball rolling

A series of critical statements by Governor H.R Bhardwaj and Opposition leaders in the legislature, seem to have done the trick and spurred the state government to act on the issue of appointing a new Lokayukta. The post has been lying vacant since former Supreme Court judge Shivaraj Patil resigned last year, following a land allotment controversy. With Mr Bhardwaj asking the government not to delay the appointment any further, the ruling party is considering various names including those of retired Supreme Court judges, former Karnataka High Court chief justice N.K. Sodhi and former Chhattisgarh high court chief justice Koratagere Hanumanthaiah Narasimha Kuranga.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a highly placed source in the BJP said, "Chief Minister, Jagadish Shettar is likely to convene a meeting of senior ministers and leaders on Wednesday to discuss the issue and make a decision on the Lokayukta appointment.” Though there's a lot of pressure from Lingayat strongman B.S. Yeddyurappa and his loyalists to appoint someone from the community, the chief minister is not keen on this, sources said adding that to gain political mileage, the BJP might go for a judge from outside the state to convey the impression that they have chosen a non-controversial judge with impeccable credentials.

In the past, the state government had to face stinging remarks from the high court which had criticized it for delaying the appointment and weakening the quasi-judicial institution. "Keeping in view these issues, the ruling party has decided to tread cautiously. Senior leaders are likely to propose the names of three or four candidates and request the high court chief justice to make his preferences known so that one of them can be selected for the post. Subsequently, the name will be sent to Mr Bhardwaj for his approval," the source explained.

The appointment of the Upalokayukta had run into a controversy after the high court chief justice objected saying his consent had not been obtained. According to the source, this process of consultation will help the party avoid a confrontation with both the judiciary and Raj Bhavan and save it from criticism by the BSY camp.

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