Goa govt. likely to amend Lokayukta Act

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday hinted that the government might amend the Goa Lokayukta Act, 2011, to scale down the qualification for the post, if in the next three months the government could not get a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of the High Court for the post.

As per the Act, a person to be appointed as the Lokayukta should be a person who has held the office of a judge of the Supreme Court, or a Chief Justice of the High Court, the Chief Minister told the State Legislative Assembly on the last day of the monsoon session.

Mr. Parrikar said judges of the Supreme Court were reluctant to take up post-retirement assignments in Goa, fearing “character assassination” by some elements.

Replying to a demand made by Leader of the Opposition Pratapsing Rane that the government fill the post of the Lokayukta on a priority basis, Mr. Parrikar said the government had technically fulfilled the promise given to the people by appointing B. Sudarshan Reddy as Lokayukta in March last year, but he quit in October citing personal reasons.

The reason behind his resignations was that he could not take criticism. He had to face protests, demonstrations and even a court case. His family was very unhappy with it, Mr. Parrikar told the House.

Activists had shown black flags to Mr. Reddy the day he was sworn in, demanding to know if he had indeed asked the Chief Minister to amend the Act to introduce heavy fines for frivolous complaints even before he took over as Lokayukta, as claimed by Chief Minister on the floor of the House.

The activists successfully compelled the government to scale down that fine.

The Chief Minister on Thursday alleged that some elements got indulged in “character assassination” in the postings of the Lokayukta, State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioner, and the chairman of Goa Public Service Commission.

Mr. Parrikar said the government was finding it difficult to choose Goa Lokayukta as only 10 judges of Supreme Court had retired in the last two years. He disclosed that the government had now approached one of the retired judges of Supreme Court and was awaiting his reply.

If the retired judge declines to accept the offer, then the government might amend the Act, Mr. Parrikar said adding that efforts would be made to appoint the Lokayukta in next three months.