Karnataka: Opposition meets Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa over Ayukta ouster
BENGALURU: Setting the ball rolling for removal of controversial Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, Opposition parties on Tuesday petitioned Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa to initiate the process for his ouster over an alleged extortion racket invollving his son.
A petition seeking removal of Justice Rao as Lokayukta with 46 members of BJP and 37 of JD(S) signing it was separately submitted to the Speaker.
Speaking to the media after receiving the petitions, Mr Thimmappa said, “As per the amended Act, at least 72 members have to sign, so there is adequate numbers now. I will call a meeting of all parties and discuss how to go forward and will then take action. We will come to a decision in two or three days.”
Terming it a “legally complicated matter,” he said, “I want to have a unanimous opinion on this,” adding that after verifying the petitions, he and Chairman of Legislative Council, D.H. Shankar Murthy, would write to the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court to constitute an inquiry committee.
“The three-members, consisting two members appointed by Chief Justice and one member appointed by us will inquire and come out with a finding which will be placed before the Legislature and final decision will be taken. As this matter will go before the committee that will have retired High Court Judge, we will have to look at things responsibly and move forward in this matter,” he added.
Under attack from the Opposition for allegedly soft-pedalling serious charges of corruption in the office of the Lokayukta, the state government had in July tabled Karnataka Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2015 pertaining to removal of anti-corruption ombudsman, which was passed.
The passage of the Bill has made the process of removal of the Lokayukta simpler. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar said, “We expect this process for removal of Lokayukta is completed soon. Lokayukta institution which is to protect people is on the verge of losing its significance today, because of Bhaskar Rao...; his removal is of prime importance to protect the institution....” he added.
JD(S) leader Y.S.V Datta said at the Business Advisory Committee meeting yesterday, all parties expressed that Lokayukta Justice Bhaskar Rao has to go. “By initiating this process we will be able to send a clear message to people that legislature is in no way trying to protect Lokayukta,” he added.
Floor leaders’ meet tomorrow
Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa has announced that he will convene a meeting of floor leaders of all parties in the Legislative Assembly and Council on Thursday evening to discuss the petition given by the BJP and JD(S) on removing Lokayukta Justice Bhaskar Rao after which the future course of action will be decided upon.
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