Thiruvananthapuram: The Lokayukta Ordinance was signed by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The Chief Minister had met the Governor at the Governor’s official residence yesterday. The governor had earlier sought an explanation from the state government. The governor’s action follows a complaint by the UDF. The governor has sought clarification on whether the ordinance is unconstitutional or requires the approval of the president. The Opposition has accused the new amendment of usurping the power of the Lokayukta. The new amendment empowers the government to reject the judgment by Lokayukta.
There is also a provision to waive the qualifications of a Lokayukta judge. The Lokayukta was a person who was a judge in the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of the High Court. This position was waived. Under the new amendment, a person who was a High Court judge can become a Lokayukta. The provision that an existing judge of the High Court can be a Upalokayukta has also been changed. If the amendment is approved, only retired High Court judges will be able to become sub-commissioners.
