The Lokayukta's position in Karnataka has been vacant for over two months and there are indications that the government is contemplating scrapping the anti-corruption ombudsman. Vicky Nanjappa reports
The anti-corruption ombudsman, which created ripples with its report on illegal mining in Karnataka, is now fighting for survival. Insiders say that the institution of Lokayukta may be scrapped and this despite the fact that Karnataka is among one of the most corrupt states today.
The post of the Karnataka Lokayukta has been lying vacant ever since Justice Shivraj Patil stepped down in September after a controversy erupted over allotment of housing sites for him and his wife allegedly in violation of rules.
However, the Karnataka government maintains that it has made recommendation for the next Lokayukta and is serious about the continuation of the anti-corruption ombudsman.
While this is the official statement made by the government there are many from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the opposition who are questioning the Lokayukta office itself.
A recent remark made by a high-ranking officer, who was part of the Lokayukta's office, has given rise to this debate. He claimed that even the Lokayukta office was corrupt. The most vocal in raising his voice against the Lokayukta has been K S Eshwarappa, the state unit BJP president. He says that the organisation itself is corrupt and biased.
However, Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda has denied these allegations. "The delay in appointing a new Lokayukta should not be construed that the government is planning on scrapping the organisation. We have suggested the name of Justice S Bannur Math and it was even sent to the Governor H R Bhardwaj for approval," he said.
The governor's office has however referred the recommendation back to the government seeking certain clarification if the approval of the chief justice has been sought before the recommendation was made. The governor has also sought some clarifications regarding the assets owned by the judge. The Karnataka government will be answering the governor's queries before the Lokayukta is appointed.
In addition to this, a controversy regarding Lokayukta Additional Director General of Police Jeevan Kumar V Gaonkar has emerged. He was transferred out of the Lokayukta office two days after former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was released on bail. The ADGP also alleged that he was threatened by Janata Dal-Secular chief H D Deve Gowda in connection with the ongoing probe in a case against his eldest son H D Balakrishna Gowda.
While the BJP says that the transfer has nothing to do with Yeddyurappa, Deve Gowda denies threatening Gaonkar. The police are now studying call records of Gaonkar and Deve Gowda to see if the claim of threat calls is true.
The going appears to be tough for Karnataka Lokayukta. Whether to keep the office or not is a call of the state government. In Harayana, the government through an act repealed the office of the Lokayukta.
Justice Santosh Hegde, former Karnataka Lokayukta, says that he would not be able to comment on whether the government will continue with this office or not. "They have the power to close down the office, but whether they would do so is a big question. As far as keeping the post vacant goes, there is no guideline stating that the post has to be filled within a particular time frame. The only way out is to approach the high court and seek a directive to appoint a Lokayukta," he said.
However, the indication is that the Karnataka government will not take a brash step and shut the office down. They will take a consensus on the issue before taking a decision. A number of cases that the Lokayukta is handling concern BJP leadership and hence scrapping it will send out a wrong signal, say sources.
