Appointment of Majage challenged

R L N Murthy, a City-based advocate and party in person, in his public interest litigation (PIL) has challenged the appointment of Upa Lokayukta on July 15 and urging the court to strike down the appointment on the ground that it was in violation of section 11 (e)of Administrative Tribunal Act 1985. The petitioner mentioned about the matter before division bench headed by Justice N K Patil.

He submitted that the section 11(e) of Administrative Tribunal Act (1985) prohibits the appointment of any member, President and Vice President of Administrative Tribunal to be employment under the government.

The petitioner argued that the appointment of Majage is also contrary to the provision of Section 3(2)(b)  of Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984, which states that only a High Court judge should be appointed as  Upa Lokayukta.

“Justice S B Majage, after retiring as HC judge was appointed as Vice Chairman of KAT from 2005 to 2008. Hence he is not entitled to hold the post,” the petitioner contended. The matter will be heard on Wednesday.