Justice Bhaskar Rao exits, new Lokayukta in a month: Karnataka Government

Bengaluru: Several months after complaints of corruption besmirched the image of Karnataka’s anti-graft institution, setting off a clamour for his ouster, Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao has resigned.

His resignation, sent to Governor Vajubhai Vala on Monday, was accepted on Tuesday even as Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa was assessing evidence submitted along with the motion adopted by the Assembly for Justice Rao’s removal under provisions of the amended Lokayukta Act.

Justice Rao’s son, Y Ashwin Rao, accused of running an extortion racket from the ombudsman’s office, has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing complaints of corruption in the institution. Commenting on Justice Rao’s resignation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “It is only proper that he has resigned,” while leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Jagadish Shettar, said it was a victory for the combined Opposition.

Meanwhile, law minister T.B. Jayachandra said the new Lokayukta would be appointed within a month. A retired judge of the Supreme Court, retired Chief Justice of any high court or a retired judge who has served in a high court for ten years would be eligible for the top post under the amended Act, Mr Jayachandra told the media on Tuesday.

The minister said Justice Rao quit immediately after a letter from the Speaker’s office reached the registrar’s office that the Lokayukta would be precluded from functioning as the motion for his removal was passed by the Legisaltive Assembly.

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