Lokayukta seeks legal advisor

Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao has written to the State government seeking the appointment of Vikas Bansode, the present legal aide to the governor, as his (Rao’s) legal advisor.

Sources in the government said the letter was received last week from the Lokayukta and the request comes under odd circumstances as the Lokayukta already has a panel of legal experts.

If appointed, Bansode shall be superseding several of these serving and retired judges, while advising the Lokayukta in legal matters. He shall also be drawing a salary of close to Rs one lakh or more, per month, if he is considered for the post by the government.

Apart from Rao, who himself is a former Chief Justice, there are 18 to 20 other senior judges who hold posts in various capacities at the Lokayukta. This apart, all the wings of the Lokayukta have highly experienced legal advisors and prosecutors.

Matter pending

While Rao hails from Andhra Pradesh, Bansode was the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in Tirupati. Sources state that the matter is pending with the chief minister, who has been under fire from his own party over the appointment of Bansode and Kempaiah.