Who can probe into land scams?

Col C P Muthanna (retd) and Ravi Chengappa of Kodagu, have filed the petition to resolve the dispute between the Lokayukta and Justice B Padmaraj on who is competent to inquire into the land-grab charges against the Chief Minister, his ministers and their kith and kin.

The petitioners stated that Justice Padmaraj, who has been appointed under the Commission of Enquiry Act 1952, sought records from the Lokayukta to conduct the inquiry.

But the Lokayukta, a statutorily appointed authority who has the right to go ahead with his inquiry, has refused to part with the records. In the process, no progress has been made in the matter of allegations, the petitioners contended.