Karnataka
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Justice Majage to be Upa Lokayukta ?
- Wed, Jul 14 2010 08:14:17 AM
Bangalore, Jul 14 (DC): The state government seems to have kept its promise to Lokayukta Santosh Hegde and has reportedly decided to appoint Justice Shashidhar Bheemarao Majage as the next Upa Lokayukta. Justice Majage — a Lingayat and former high court judge —will succeed Justice Patri Basannagoud, also a Lingayat, who demitted the office of the Upa Lokayukta in December last year after his retirement.
His name was empanelled by the collegium headed by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa comprising the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, chairman of the Legislative Council, the two Opposition Leaders, and Chief Justice of the High Court. But the government is yet to issue the order as the appointing authority, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, is in New Delhi.
Justice Majage’s selection comes in the wake of Justice Hegde’s resignation, which he later withdrew following an assurance from the Chief Minister that he would appoint an Upa Lokayukta immediately.
“I am glad that the government has taken a decision to appoint the Upa Lokayukta because there are a lot of pending applications, which can be processed by the Upa Lokayukta. Many of them are in the final stages and need his signature,” said Justice Hegde, who is in Mangalore, on leave currently.
Justice Majage had two stints with the law department – between 1984 and 95 — and in 1995 he was transferred to Mysore as the district judge. He was later promoted as a judge to the Karnataka High Court on April 18, 2002. He also served as KAT vice chairman after his retirement.