BENGALURU: In as many as 850 cases, wherein the Lokayukta found prima facie case against the officials for irregularities, no departmental inquiry has been initiated yet. Reason: The government’s nod is still awaited.
According to sources, reports were submitted to the government under Section 12(3) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act following the preliminary inquiry conducted by the two Upa Lokayuktas, Justice Subhash B Adi and Justice N Ananda. But there was no further progress as the government did not act swiftly in granting permission for the departmental inquiry.
In several other cases, the government is sitting on the reports, which were submitted around two years ago. Even Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty had sent a few reports to the government after he was appointed Lokayukta on last January 29, sources said.
Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi had disposed 3,150 cases out of total 7,000 cases under his jurisdiction. Similarly, Justice N Ananda, who was appointed as Upa Lokayukta a year back, disposed 1,121 cases out of 5,000 cases.
Of all the disposed cases, reports of 850 were submitted to the state government authorities concerned for seeking permission for inquiry against the officials.
In 190 cases, reports were sent under Section 12(1) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act to the government, suggesting remedial measures after the grievances pointed out in the complaints had been thoroughly probed.
A judicial officer in Lokayukta says they are receiving compliance reports from the government but not as quickly as they expect.
“We will again send reminders to the authorities to avoid any further delay,” a Lokayukta official said, adding some tainted officials may go scot-free if the cases were not brought to their logical conclusion quickly.