Lok Ayukta seeks action against Ministers

Bangalore, May 11 (UNI) Karnataka Lok Ayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde today sent a report to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy seeking action against the two Ministers, belonging to Janata Dal(S), who were found guilty of not filing their statements on assets and liabilities in time.

Justice Hegde said in a release here that he was acting on a complaint from former minister S K Kantha and had sent the report to Mr Kumaraswamy.

The two Ministers had failed to submit their asset details even after the dead line of April 28. They had appeared before the Lok Ayukta after submitting the details two day's late. The Judge had said that he would initiate action as per the law.

The Lok Ayukta said Minister for Youth Services Hanumantha Y Alkod and Minister for Agriculture Marketing Sharanabasappa Gouda Darshanapur were found guilty of not submitting their statements of assets and liabilities.

Acting upon Mr Kantha's complaint, Justice Hegde had given an opportunity to the two Ministers offering their comments and also heard the arguments of their counsels on the matter. However, he found the allegations were true and subsequntly sent a report to the Chief Minister.

The Lok Ayukta recommended action, under Section 12(3) and 13(1) of the Karnataka Lok Ayukta Act which empowers the Chief Minister to take action against offending public servant.

Speaking to UNI, Mr S K Kantha welcomed the action of the Lok Ayukta and said that this showed that no one was above the law.

With Karnataka Lok Ayukta sending the report to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, both the ministers may have to bow out of their offices.

Reacting to the report, Mr Darshanapur pleaded innocence and said that he would abide by the Chief Minsiter's decision.

UNI