Karnataka Lokayukta corruption case: Ousting Ayukta not so easy as it seems
Belagavi: The “Oust Lokayukta” movement launched by the BJP and JD(S) is likely to face a major hurdle as the parties lack the required numbers to submit a motion for removal of Justice, Y. Bhaskar Rao in both Houses.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader in the BJP disclosed that the main reason behind the parties jointly announcing their decision to move a motion seeking removal of Lokaykta was to exert pressure on Justice Rao. “There are three days left for Monday, the issue will be debated at length and will put the Congress on the back foot. As matter of fact the Congress party cannot go ballistic over the issue as the opposition parties have taken the lead. This is a chance to be seized. In any eventuality, it will be seen as a victory of the Opposition parties even if the ruling party succeeds in ensuring Lokayukta’s resignation on moral grounds.”
The source added that Sikkim High court chief Justice P. D. Dinakaran’s case is a classic example of how the Opposition mounted pressure and ensured that he resigned from the post on ‘moral grounds’.
Meanwhile, a bureaucrat disclosed that the Lokayukta’s removal is far from easy — even if the Opposition succeeds in garnering the numbers to move a motion for his removal. The process will take no less than a year.
The Judges Inquiry Act 1968 suggests that any party which wants to move a motion for removal of judges, must have the support of not less than 100 members in the Lower House and in the Council it must be submitted with the support of 50 members. “The Speaker or Chairman will have to consult each member and he/she should also verify the material submitted before admitting the motion,” the source explained.
The source claimed that once the motion is admitted the Speaker or chairman will have to constitute an investigation committee. “The committee will have three members, one shall be chosen from the Chief Justice and other judges of Supreme Court, another from the CJs of High Courts and lastly, the speaker or chairman can nominate a jurist,” the source explained.
