Furore in Kerala over Lok Ayukta
The Hindu
The Opposition says the government wants to replace the Governor as the competent authority
The Kerala Lok Ayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2022, has raised the political temperature in the State.
It has brought up a swirl of issues to the fore of the public debate, including the Opposition's allegation that the proposed law aspired to accord the executive appellate authority over damning decisions by the anti-corruption ombudsman.
Also read | Kerala Assembly sends Lok Ayukta amendment Bill to Subject Committee
The Bill might open a new legal and political battleground between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition. Much about the proposed law remains in the realm of conjecture, though the UDF has opposed the legislation vehemently.
The official Bill is likely to provide more clarity on the matter. The Bill will assume final form only after vetting by the Subject Committee.
The Opposition says it has reasons to believe that the Bill aspires to replace the Governor as the competent authority to accept or reject any unfavourable decision by the Lok Ayukta (under Section 14(5) of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999) against the Chief Minister of the State.
In the case of Ministers found guilty of corruption or nepotism by the Lok Ayukta, the proposed law allegedly bestows appellate powers on the Chief Minister (the competent authority).
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