Kerala government moves to dilute powers of Lokayukta, triggers row
India Today
Kerala government has prepared an ordinance to amend the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, thereby empowering the government to reject the verdicts of the anti-corruption body.
Kerala government has prepared an ordinance to amend the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, thereby empowering the government to reject the verdicts of the anti-corruption body. The ordinance to usurp the power of the Lokayukta is now under the consideration of the governor.
The government's move comes at a time when there are complaints pending against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Higher Education Minister R Bindu at the Lokayukta.
There are three complaints filed against the chief minister for allegedly misappropriating money from the Disaster Relief Fund. And it was alleged that Minister R Bindu had written to the governor recommending the reappointment of the Kannur University Vice-Chancellor. Following this, a case was filed against the minister.
As per the new amendment, Lokayukta would only have the power to make recommendations or send reports to the government.
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Kerala government also intends to waive the qualifications of the Lokayukta judge. At present, the position of Lokayukta is held by a former judge from the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of the High Court. As per the new amendment, any high court judge can become a Lokayukta.
The law that an existing judge of the High Court can be a deputy Lokayukta has also been changed. If the amendment is approved by the governor, only retired high court judges will be able to become the deputy Lokayukta.
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