Thaindian News

Bangalore, July 9 (IANS) Karnataka Lok Ayukta N. Santosh Hegde Friday said he was disappointed, with additional powers being announced for the ombudsman earlier in the day but key offices such as that of chief minister, ministers and legislators kept out of its purview.
“I am disappointed,” Hegde told reporters but declined to answer any other query on Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa’s announcement granting additional powers.

Yeddyurappa told the assembly that the Lok Ayukta can investigate all senior officers, including the chief secretary, but with prior intimation to competent authorities.

However, the Lok Ayukta will not have powers to probe the chief minister, ministers, legislators and public servants nominated by the government, Yeddyurappa told the assembly, replying to a discussion on the resignation of Hegde. Hegde, a retired Supreme Court judge, has since withdrawn his resignation.

“All officers drawing a monthly salary of Rs.20,000 and above can now be suo motu (on his own) probed by the Lok Ayukta,” Yeddyurappa said.

Hegde had quit June 23 stating he was frustrated at the government’s indifference to fighting corruption and checking illegal mining in the state.

He and his predecessor N. Venkatachala, also a retried Supreme Court judge, had been seeking suo motu powers to probe officials at all levels and also wanted politicians to be brought under the purview of the Lok Ayukta.

At present, the Lok Ayukta can initiate a probe against suspected corrupt senior officials only if there is a written complaint supported by affidavit.

Yeddyurappa said it will be mandatory for the Lok Ayukta and Upa-Lok Ayukta (deputy ombudsman) to record in writing the grievance or the allegation on which they want to start suo motu investigation before launching the probe.

However the power to accept or reject the probe findings will rest with the competent authorities, under whom the office who has been investigated, work.

Leader of the Opposition Siddarmaiah said there was nothing new in the chief minister’s announcement. “We want the chief minister, ministers and legislators to come under the purview of the Lok Ayukta,” he said.