The Opposition members staged a walkout from the Legislative Council protesting the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2013.
They said they will oppose any amendment that weakens the Police Establishment Board (PEB). The board was set up following a Supreme Court verdict to decide on transfers of police officers. DG&IGP is its Chairman and three senior-most officers of ADGP rank are its members.
They urged Home Minister K J George to put the bill on hold as it will further dilute the legislation.
Participating in the debate, M C Nanaiah of JD(S) said the Police Department should be free from political pressures and interventions. He said that the bill tabled is a replica of what the previous home minister R Ashok had planned. “What is the difference between the Congress and BJP governments in this regard?” he asked.
He warned that the Supreme Court will pull up the government as it is in a hurry to pass the amendment bill.
He said the government should also review the 22 legislations passed by the previous government in a hurry.
BJP leader K B Shanappa opposed the bill and recalled that the his party had advised the then home minister against tabling in the bill in Belgaum session. He said the diluted legislation is nothing, but the dissolution of the PEB. Shanappa said the government, if keen to streamline the administration, should first set right the lapses.
BJP’s G Madhusudhan accused the government of having a hidden agenda, while members Ramachandre Gowda and A H Shivayogi Swamy demanded that the bill be withdrawn. Member Ganesh Karnik said a police officer belonging to the Scheduled Caste should be one of the PEB members.
In reply, Home Minister K J George urged the Opposition to let the bill be pass. Following which BJP members walked out in protest facilitating bill to be passed.