Panaji, Jan 24 (IANS): "False and frivolous" complaints to the Lokayukta (ombudsman) in Goa would attract a fine up to Rs.10 lakh, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Thursday.
Speaking to reporters here, Parrikar also said that Goa has recommended the name of former Supreme Court Justice (retd) B. Sudarshan Reddy as the Goa's first Lokayukta.
"False and frivolous complaints with malicious intention will be fined by the Lokayukta Office to the tune of Rs.1 lakh to Rs.10 lakh. The Lokayukta will decide if the complaint is serious or not," Parrikar said.
"We have recommended the name of the retired Supreme Court judge (to the Bombay High court) now it is up to them to decide," Parrikar said.
Parrikar had promised setting up the office of the Lokayukta in Goa within 100 days of coming to power in March 2012. But the appointment dragged on for over 300 days, with the chief minister first claiming that the delay was because of bureaucratic process and unavailability of suitable retired judges for the position.