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How will toothless Lokayukta cops probe, asks HC

Last Updated 27 April 2016, 20:39 IST
Following the division bench’s order allowing the Lokayukta police to continue with investigations into pending corruption cases before the Lokayukta, the High Court on Wednesday asked the government how the Lokayukta police, stripped of police powers, would carry out investigations.

Justice AN Venugopala Gowda asked the government where the common man would go to file fresh cases. Additional Advocate General AS Ponnanna said the government would need time to examine the order and how it can be implemented.

Ponnanna said that whether to grant the police station powers only for the pending cases or not still needs to be examined and said he would require instructions and sought time to make a submission.

Venkatesh P Dalawai, counsel representing the Lokayukta police, submitted a memo before the court which said that a letter has been written to the under secretary, Home Department, seeking to withdraw the notification issued on March 19, 2016 to restore investigation powers and also restoration of status of police station to enable Lokayukta police resume investigations at the earliest.

The bench took exception to the memo and asked whether the Lokayukta police would follow the instructions of the government or the High Court.

The bench said that ever since the government's delay in establishing a full-fledged functioning Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the culprits are taking advantage of the lacunae. Justice Gowda said 700-odd police personnel attached to the Lokayukta are getting a 'paid holiday' with no power to investigate cases.

The bench granted time to both the state government and Lokayukta and adjourned the next hearing to Thursday.
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(Published 27 April 2016, 20:39 IST)

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