Governor sends back file on Upalokayukta appointment

Governor Vajubhai Vala, on Tuesday, for the second time sent back to the government the file recommending the appointment of former Karnataka High Court judge Justice K L Manjunath to the post of Upalokayukta.

It is not clear whether the governor has rejected the recommendation or sought further clarification from the government.

The post of Upalokayukta has been vacant ever since Justice S B Majage demitted office on July 17, 2015.

The governor had, a few months ago, sent back the file seeking certain clarifications from the government, following objections raised by some non-governmental organisations.

When contacted, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the file had come back from Raj Bhavan, but he was not aware as to why it was sent back.

Earlier in the day, the minister said he would meet Vala, if necessary, to provide clarifications. He strongly defended the government’s recommendation and said that there was no need for the government to change its decision.

There was no evidence to substantiate the charges against Manjunath and that the accusations were baseless, Jayachandra said.