5 names to be proposed for new Karnataka Lokayukta

Bengaluru, Dec 8: The process to appoint the next Lokayukta of Karnataka will be a long drawn one, but all norms would be followed says an official in the Karnataka law ministry.

The post has fallen vacant after Justice Y Bhaskar Rao resigned, a development confirmed by Raj Bhavan a while ago.

Speaking with OneIndia, the official said that the name of the Lokayukta will have to be cleared by the Chief Justice of Karnataka, the collegium of the Karnataka high court, Chief Minister of Karnataka, leader of opposition in both houses as well as the speaker of the legislative assembly.

Unless there is a consensus on the subject there the new Lokayukta will not be appointed the officer also added. [Karnataka Lokayukta Bhaskar Rao's resignation should not have been accepted: Justice Santosh Hegde]

Karnataka proposes to draw out a list of at least 5 names before it makes the proposal.

As per the rules a Karnataka Lokayukta will either have to be a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of Karnataka.

Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah will soon hold deliberations on this subject and decide on a candidate. They want to make sure that there is no more controversy where the institution of the Lokayukta is concerned.

This time around both the ruling party and the opposition wanted to put up a united front and ensure that the glory of the Lokayukta is restored.

There are several pending cases before the Lokayukta and the priority would be to ensure that all those are cleared.

With the post of Lokayukta falling vacant an administrative order would be needed now to transfer the power of handling these cases to the upa-Lokayukta.

The government of Karnataka is expected to act soon on this matter and ensure that the Lokayukta is up and functioning as soon as possible.

OneIndia News