Justice Hegde’s term ends on August 2, and the Government is working towards appointing a new Lokayukta by August 15.
Sources said the Government began the appointment process on Monday, with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa dispatching letters to High Court Chief Justice J S Khehar, Legislative Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah, Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankarmurthy, leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Council Siddaramaiah and Motamma seeking their opinion and suggestions on the appointment.
As per Section 3 (2) (A) of the Lokayukta Act, the State government should appoint the
Lokayukta or Upa Lokayukta only after consulting the five offices. Sources added Yeddyurappa has sought their response before July 18.
The government can appoint only retired judges of the Supreme Court or chief justices of the High Court. Names of ex-SC judge Justice Shivraj V Patil, sitting judge Justice R V Ravindran and former chief justice of Kerala High Court S R Bannurmath are presently doing the rounds. Ravindran will retire as the Supreme Court judge in October.
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