No additional powers to Lok Ayukta: K'taka CM

Bangalore, July 2 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today asserted that extra powers could not be given to the Lok Ayukta as it would undermine the authority of the State Government.

Speaking to mediapersons after conducting a video conference with journalists across the State on the occasion of Karnataka Press Day, he said a person or an institution could not be given extra powers.

''Otherwise, the State Government as the supreme governing body under the law, would be undermined,'' he stated.

Mr Kumaraswamy refused to commit on extending the term of Mr Justice N Venkatachala who retired as Lok Ayukta on Friday. ''I cannot promise anything on giving a second term as the decision has to be taken at the Government level. It can be done only after amending the Lok Ayukta rules as there is no provision for extending the term of a Lok Ayukta now,'' he said.

Justice Venkatachala had said he would accept an extension of term only if the post was given more teeth.

Coalition partners JD(S) and BJP have adopted different stands on the question of extending the term of Justice Venkatachala, who is known for his crusading ways of fighting corrupt officials. While the BJP was supportive of extending the term, the JD(S) seems reluctant. MORE UNI RS GD RR PC1725