Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 27: Justice Bannurmath, who had served as a judge of Karnataka High Court, and retired as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, is all set to be sworn in as the new Lokayukta of the state. It is learnt that the state government, which was considering the names of Justice Sodhi and Justice Raveendran in addition to Justice Bannurmath for the post, has finalised the name of Justice Bannurmath.

The post of Lokayukta had become vacant last month, after Justice Shivraj Patil resigned from the post within weeks of his appointment as the state Lokayukta in place of Justice N Santosh Hegde, after allegations of irregularities concerning allotment of house sites cropped up against him. It is gathered that the state government is eager to fill the post at the earliest, to show its commitment to crusade against graft, a cause in favour which BJP leader, L K Advani, has launched a Rath Yatra. The Rath Yatra is set to enter the state by the end of this week.

Sources in the government confirmed that recommendation for the appointment of Justice Bannurmath has already been forwarded to the Governor, and that the Governor is expected to give his assent to the same any time now. The Governor, who is in New Delhi, is expected back today.

Justice Bannurmath was known for his innovative methods of judgment when serving in the state High Court. He was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Kerala in March 2009.