'Assembly's approval not needed to prosecute Justice Rao'

Advocate General Madhusudan R Naik on Thursday submitted to the high court that the Assembly’s permission was not required for prosecuting former Lokayukta Justice Bhaskar Rao.

The AG said that to remove the Lokayukta, there is a need for discussion and consent from the Assembly. The sanction for prosecution granted by the governor is in order, he said in response to a question raised by Justice Anand Byrareddy whether the sanction for prosecuting former Justice Rao was in order.

The judge was hearing the petition by Justice Rao, who has sought quashing of the additional charge sheet filed by the Special Investigation Team, where he is accused number 7 in the Lokayukta extortion scam.

The AG sought more time to make a detailed submission. The judge adjourned the hearing to October 24.