Expressing concern over police personnel working more years than permitted in the Lokayukta wing, the High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday advised the authorities to take appropriate steps to ensure that no officer in the wing continues beyond the given period.
Justice A.N. Venugoapal Gowda issued the direction on noticing that some police personnel have been working in the wing beyond the permitted three to four years at a particular post or place. “Continued stay of personnel in such an establishment may not be in public interest,” the court observed, adding their stay for a longer period may cause “other problems.”
During the last hearing, the Lokayukta police had admitted delay in completing probe in many cases, citing lack of a manual (as in Central Bureau of Investigation), which sets a deadline for completing probe, and shortage of staff as the main causes for the delay. The Lokayukta police had sought a direction from the court for a manual till a guideline was prepared.
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On Tuesday, counsel for Lokayukta police Venkatesh P. Dalwai said a draft manual was sent to the State government about four years ago, but there was no response. The court adjourned further hearing till July 29, asking the government to explain the delay in deciding the 105 requests made by the Lokayukta police.