Guv refuses to relent but OK for Hegde again

Governor H R Bhardwaj on Wednesday refused to relent on his opposition to BJP government’s choice of a new Lokayukta in Karnataka, hoping his objections “goes into their head” in an escalation of confrontation. And in an apparent taunt, Bhardwaj said he is ready to give his approval in “one minute” if the Karnataka government brings back Santosh Hegde as the state ombudsman.

Hegde’s report on illegal mining when he was Lokayukta had led to the downfall of B S Yeddyurappa as Chief Minister. Sticking to his guns, Bhardwaj insisted he would not appoint a “wrong person” and asked the BJP government to look for a person who is above board. Bhardwaj, who has rejected former Kerala Chief Justice S R Bannurmath’s name, said he needs to make the appointment after a lot of consideration as Lokayukta is a “very important institution” relating to probity and anti-corruption.

“I have explained to the Government through a detailed letter and I hope it gets into the head of the Government. But I am not that (kind of) person who will appoint a wrong person”, the Governor told reporters. Bhardwaj, often at loggerheads with BJP government, said “Let them appoint Justice (Santosh) Hegde again. I will sign in a minute. Let them appoint any judge who is above board.”

The Governor recently wrote to the government suggesting a “rethink” in view of charges against Bannurmath and to select someone else. Bannurmath is facing charges of securing land allotment in a judicial layout violating rules. The government has stuck to its choice so far and repeatedly said Bannurmath’s name was finalised as per procedure and precedents, and hinted that it is firm on its choice.

Lokayukta post has been lying vacant for two months after retired Supreme Court Judge V Shivaraj Patil resigned abruptly in September six weeks into office after allegations of land allotment by a housing cooperative society in violation of laws surfaced against him. Patil had taken over in early August from Hegde, who completed his five-year term.