Heated debate over Lokayukta appointment
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has said the governor has to appoint the person recommended by the State government as the Lokayukta and its recommendations in this regard was in compliance with the Lokayukta Act.
He was replying to the preliminary discussion on an adjournment motion sought to be moved by the JD(S) against the government for the delay in appointing the Lokayukta. But Chairman D H Shankarmurthy did not allow the motion to be moved.
Gowda, quoting the Section under the Lokayukta Act, said the Lokayukta shall be appointed on the advice of the chief minister in consultation with the chief justice of the High Court.
And, it is mandatory on the part of the governor to appoint the person recommended by the government. The State Lokayukta Act does not permit the governor to appoint the Lokayukta as done in Gujarat.
He also said that as the matter pertaining to the Lokayukta appointment is pending before the High Court, the House cannot discuss it.
However, JD(S) leader M C Nanaiah said the post had been lying vacant for last 105 days and that Gowda should assert himself and speed up the process. He also said the governor can exercise his discretionary powers and can reject the government’s recommendation for the post of Lokayukta.
