JOIN USSpeaking to reporters at Raj Bhavan after giving away doctorates of the Tumkur University, Bhardwaj said the government was delaying the appointment of the Lokayukta to cover up some of its misdeeds.
He said he wanted an able person to take up the responsible job, when investigation into some important cases had reached a crucial point.
“I will not be able to make open remarks about S R Bannurmath, former chief justice of the Kerala High Court. I have respect for him, but certain things are restricting me to take a call on him,” said the Governor.
Officers transferred
Bhardwaj also charged the government with transferring upright officers from the Lokayukta office to other departments.
He said he was aware of the government’s intention to appoint Justice Bannurmath, but the media was not a platform to elaborate.
The Governor, however, said people should ponder over the consequences, if the government succeeds in its mission to shield corrupt and criminal people.
Bhardwaj also accused the government of neither discussing the appointment of Justice Bannurmath with the Opposition leaders nor seeking their views on it.
Honest judges
The government also ignored his list of some honest judges.
He also refused to follow the suit of the Gujarat Governor, who unilaterally appointed a Lokayukta.
53rd doctorate for CNR Rao
Prof C N R Rao, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Prime Minister, and Prof Anthony Cheetam of Cambridge University were awarded the doctorates by the Governor.Incidentally, this is the 53rd doctorate that Rao has been awarded. Prof Cheetam expressed happiness at being awarded the doctorate by the university.
The Governor said that Tumkur University had made considerable progress in its two years of existence.