SPS urges guv to reject Justice Nayak's name for Lokayukta post

Opposing Siddaramaiah-led government’s move to appoint Justice S R Nayak as Lokayukta, Samaja Parivartana Samudaya founder-president S R Hiremath on Saturday urged Governor Vajubhai Vala to reject Nayak’s name if the government pushes for it.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Hiremath said that it would be better if Nayak declared his assets now to clear any doubt in the minds of the people. “In 2006, Shalini Subraya Nayak, the wife of Justice S R Nayak, had purchased 4.4 guntas of land near new central bus stand in Kumta for Rs 15 lakh. A commercial complex is coming up on the land in question. Justice Nayak, to avoid any doubt in the minds of the people, should make public his family's assets,” Hiremath demanded.

Against the norms

He said only employees of the Judicial department can purchase housing sites from Karnataka Judicial Employees' Housing Society but several judges have also bought the plots against the norms.

“Justice S R Nayak’s name figures in the list of those owning a site in the society. It may be recalled that Justice Shivaraj Patil, who was appointed as Lokayukta, had to quit because he also owned a site. In view of this, Nayak should reveal the details of his assets,” Hiremath said adding that he had submitted all documents to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The State government must adhere to all norms and rules laid down for the appointment of Lokayukta, he said.