Karnataka HC strikes down appointment of Upa Lokayukta

The Karnataka high court on Tuesday struck down the appointment of Justice Chandrashekaraiah, the Upa Lokayukta. Justice N Kumar and Justice Kempanna observed that due process was not followed while appointing the Upa Lokayukta.

Two public interest litigations were filed before the court challenging the appointment of Justice Chandrashekaraiah. It was stated that the mandated process was not followed by the government of Karnataka while making the appointment.

The bench while allowing the petition stated that the government of Karnataka should conduct the process afresh. It said that the appointment be made after following due consultation which was absent when the appointment of Justice Chandrashekaraiah was made.

This is yet another set back for the office of the once powerful Lokayukta office. The government has not yet appointed a Lokayukta after the retirement of Justice Santhosh Hegde. The government had proposed the name of Justice Bannur Math but that was rejected by the governor.