Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, Jun 19: Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde expressed strong discontent over the state government’s proposal to amend the Karnataka Lokayukta Act on the lines of the central legislation on Lokpal. He said that he viewed the government plan to introduce the amendment as a calculated move to dilute the existing act.
Hegde opined that the new Lokpal Bill passed at the centre has to be given a facelift as it is not strong enough. “The Bill is not so powerful as to comprehensively tackle the problem of corruption dogging the nation,” he said.
He was addressing reporters after attending Daijiworld Weekly's fifth anniversary celebrations at Town Hall here on Wednesday June 18.
“The state government is now highlighting the inclusion of the chief minister and cabinet ministers for enquiry under the proposed Karnataka Lokayukta Bill 2014, while the existing Act already deals with this. The proposed laws will dilute the powers currently enjoyed by the Lokayukta. A single Lokayukta under the present law has the power to move ahead with proceedings against the chief minister and cabinet ministers. Hence, there is no necessity to introduce a new bill,” he added.
Hegde said that as per the newly proposed law, a nine-member panel will be appointed and the Lokayukta would need clearance from the panel for all investigations. "Enquiry against the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues can be conducted only if three members of the panel give clearance," he said, hinting that he would raise his voice against this move by the Congress-led state government.
Referring to the plight of the Aam Admi Party (AAP), he advised the party to come up with a reshuffle to end the chaos within. Hegde agreed that the party has gone completely off track. "They have to come up with a major reshuffle for the party to emerge successful in the future. The party will see tough times in the coming days," he added.