Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 2: Upa Lokayukta of the state, Justice Subhash B Adi, has stopped attending office after the motion proposing his removal by Congress was accepted for being moved. With this, the state Lokayukta has become virtually rudderless.

Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao is on prolonged leave relating to corruption cases in the Lokayukta involving his son. Upa Lokayukta, Justice S B Majage, retired recently. Justice Adi, who was leading the institution in the absence of the Lokayukta and the other Upa Lokayukta, is not attending work from Monday onwards. It may be recalled that Justice Adi, addressing a function here recently, had said that working as wayer has always been close to his heart.

For the first time ever in the history of Lokayukta, such a situation has arisen. Justice Adi has clarified that he has decided to stay away because of a resolution moved for his ouster having been accepted by the speaker for being moved.

There is no clarity as to whether the official concerned can attend to his duty or not after a resolution against him is accepted. In-charge registrar of Lokayukta, Balakrishna, has written to speaker of the state assembly seeking clarification on the issue. He is yet to receive a response, it is gathered.

It may be recalled that the name of Justice K L Manjunath, recommended by the state government to the post of Upa Lokaykukta in place of retired Justice S B Majage, had been rejected thrice by the governor. As such, the state is under compulsion to recommend another name. It is still considering the names, and a decision will be taken soon, said chief minister, Siddaramaiah, speaking to media persons on Tuesday December 1.