Govt deliberating on stripping Lokayutka of its powers

The State government appears to be in two minds on introducing various provisions in the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984.

It is learnt to be not clear whether to go ahead with proposals to cut down the powers of the institution. The government is planning to strip the Lokayukta of its power to investigate corruption cases. It also wants to identify presiding officers of Upper and Lower Houses as competent authority to give permission to investigate any charges against the chief minister and legislators.

The main objective behind the move to amend the Act was to revise the existing procedure for the removal of the Lokayukta and Upalokayuktas. But the government is utilising the opportunity to make the Lokayukta institution a toothless body. Anticipating stiff resistance from the Opposition, the government avoided introducing the amendment bill – Karnataka Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2015 – in the Assembly on Thursday, sources in the legislature said.

It is said the government may modify the bill and drop some of the controversial provisions. It is planning to extend the session to July 30 so that a detailed discussion can be held. July 29 and 30 are likely to be dedicated for discussion on the bill, sources said.