The Karnataka High Court is likely to deliver its final order on the petitions moved by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Alkod Hanumanthappa and Agricultural Marketing Minister Sharanabasappa  Darshanapur against the Lokayukta report seeking action against them on Friday.

The petitions by the two ministers questioned the Lokayukta’s report submitted to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on May 11, 2007, that they be removed from the Cabinet for failing to submit their statements of assets and liabilities for the year 2005 within the prescribed date.

When the petition had come up before the division bench comprising Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice Ramamohan Reddy orally observed that the Chief Minister was free to take action against the ministers. The Lokayukta had made his recommendations after rejecting the pleas of the ministers, who did not file their statements even after deadline was extended for them. The two ministers had submitted their explanations for the delay in filing their statements.

The court observed: “Everyone has work. When others ministers can file their statements why not you”.  The court said that it was up to the Lokayukta to reject or accept the explanation rendered by the minister and the court cannot interfere in the matter.

When it was pointed out that the Lokayukta cannot suo motu take up old cases, the court observed, “Lokayukta should have powers, otherwise the institution becomes toothless”.