Bangalore: Governor Rejects Justice Bannurmath's Name for Lokayukta Post

Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 3: Karnataka government’s search for a blemish-less personality to head its Lokayukta institution does not seem to end, as allegations of wrongdoings have been cropping against every judge it has in mind for the post. Hopes of Chief Minister (CM), D V Sadananda Gowda, who had expressed confidence that Justice Bannurmath, whose name was recommended for the post of the Lokayukta by the government would be approved, as it is almost impossible to find a person who has not committed any mistakes, have been dashed.

The Governor has asked the Chief Minister to recommend another name for the post. He told the CM that he has received various complaints against Justice Bannurmath from organizations and associations, and that the media has carried news about the fact that he had built home in a CA site. Therefore, he has asked for recommendation of a person of indisputable reputation for the post.

On an invitation from the Governor, the CM met him on Wednesday evening and held discussions. Justice Bannurmath’s name was recommended, and the Governor had kept the file pending with him since October 26. Sources said that the CM was accompanied by officials alone during the discussions, and none of his cabinet colleagues were there. The discussions also covered topics like law and order, development projects, legislature session proposed to be held in December etc, they added.

The post of the Lokayukta of the state has remained vacant since the last one and half month, after Justice Shivraj Patil resigned from the post within two weeks of his appointment as Lokayukta.