Former Karnataka Chief Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao's elevation to the post of anti-corruption ombudsman came amidst allegations of corruption against him. For over two years now, the Karnataka Lokayukta has been at the centre of many controversies.
2013
- February 14: After almost a year-and-a-half after a media expose about illegal land allotments that forced Justice Shivraj V. Patil to resign as the Lokayukta, former Karnataka Chief Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao was appointed as Lokayukta. He was sworn in by the then Governor H. R. Bhardwaj. >More..
- When Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao was to be anointed as the Lokayukta, the office of the anti-corruption ombudsman was the centre of a controversy. Advocates Association, Bengaluru said that he “doesn’t speak Kannada and is too old for the job”. The association also accused him of involvement in a land scam. >More..
2015
- June 26: Days after charges of alleged bribery scandal in the Lokayukta, Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao announced that he has handed over the case to the CCB for investigations. Justice Rao’s son, Ashwin Rao allegedly misused the office of the Lokayukta. >More..
- June 27: With allegations of corruption in the office of Lokayukta growing, demands seeking resignation of Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao also grew. Activists and political parties demanded his resignation for ‘moral reasons’. >More..
- June 29: In an interview with The Hindu , Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao said, “I see no reason why I should resign or go on leave at this juncture. The probe will be carried out by an independent agency.” >More..
- July 1: This opinion piece by T.M. Veeraraghava points out, “The most perfect institution is only as incorruptible as the individual who heads it.” >More..
- July 2: An FIR was filed against Ashwin Rao, son of Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao, by Lokayukta Police minutes before the Karnataka High Court directed both the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta not to order any in-house investigation. >More..
- July 5: The demand for the removal of Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao as Lokayukta grew louder at the Monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly held in Belagavi. Political parties submitted a memo to Speaker Kogadu Thimmappa on July 3 for Justice Rao’s removal under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984. >More..
- July 12: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified his position in the matter of ordering CBI probe into the alleged Lokayukta bribery scandal saying that the State Government does not have the power to order a CBI probe. >More..
- July 17: Legislative Council Chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy rejected the Opposition notice seeking a motion in the House for the removal of Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao. >More..
Karnataka High Court adjourned further the hearing of a petition filed by Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao’s son Ashwin Y., questioning the investigation ordered by the Upalokayukta into the alleged corruption in Lokayukta. >More..
Karnataka High Court adjourned further the hearing of a petition filed by Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao’s son Ashwin Y., questioning the investigation ordered by the Upalokayukta into the alleged corruption in Lokayukta. >More..
The Special Investigation Team set up to probe the allegations of corruption in the Lokayukta office grilled the complainant, M.N. Krishnamurthy, for several hours. He had identified Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao’s son, Ashwin Rao, as the person misusing Lokayukta’s office for taking bribe. >More..
All Legislative Assembly members, Congress and Opposition members alike demanded that Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao quit office for the alleged bribery scandal rocking the institution. >More..
