Governor's approval sought to prosecute MLAs in Justice Adi case

A Bengaluru-based NGO has filed a requisition with the Governor Vajubhai Vala seeking sanction of prosecution against 78 MLAs for “destroying democratic fabric’’ by moving a motion seeking removal of Justice Subhash B Adi as Upalokayukta.

The Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP) has also filed a complaint with the Lokayukta under section 17 (2) of the Lokayukta Act.

The Upalokayukta has jurisdictional powers and authority in respect of contempt and may exercise the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The members of the JSP stated that the MLAs led by Tanveer Sait, now a minister, moved the motion seeking removal of Justice Adi with vengeance.

“On hindsight it was clearly proven that this action of the MLAs is nothing but a misuse of power provided through the amendment and does not befit them suitable or responsible enough to the post of the elected representatives. It appears that it has led to loss of trust between the government and the institution of Lokayukta that will ultimately affect the common man whenever he comes for justice to Lokayukta,'' the petition stated.

High Court judge Justice R B Budihal had given a clean chit to Justice Adi stating there was no evidence on the allegations made by the MLAs.

The Lokayukta Act states that whoever intentionally insults or causes any interruption while the Lokayukta or Upalokayukta is conducting any investigation or inquiry shall on conviction be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but may extend to one year or with fine, or with both.