In a move that will weaken the power of the Lokayukta significantly, the Kerala government is bringing in amendments to the law, including giving the government the power to overturn or accept the Lokayukta’s verdict. The ordinance was approved by the previous cabinet. Submitted to the Governor for approval.
The Lokayukta has the power to rule that public servants are not fit to hold office if corruption is found. The current law requires that such a decision be made by the person in charge of each issue (Governor, Chief Minister, Government). The condition is that it should be approved by the concerned authority.
The main provision of the amendment is that the person in a position of authority in such a judgment may hold a further hearing and overturn or overturn the judgment.
The Lokayukta had earlier ruled that KT Jalil was corrupt in the appointment of relatives and should not be in the ministry. Jalil went to the Supreme Court to avoid resignation but was unsuccessful. With the amendment, the Chief Minister can take a decision on the Lokayukta’s decision in a similar situation by holding a hearing.
According to the ordinance, the Lokayukta’s decision must be decided by the concerned authority within three months. Otherwise, the verdict will be deemed to have been accepted. Critics say the amendment is a foregone conclusion that some of the cases currently pending in the Lokayukta against the government are strong. Even if corruption is proven, the Lokayukta will have to decide whether the verdict will be in line with the wishes of the government.
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