BENGALURU: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) said that the material collected during the investigation consists of oral and documentary evidence. This would unerringly pin-point that former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao had actively connived with his son Ashwin and his cronies to abuse the official position of the Lokayukta, in order to extort money from public servants holding key positions in the government, it said.
In its objection filed before the High Court to Justice Rao’s petition challenging the chargesheet filed against him, the SIT stated that the incriminating materials show both commissions and omissions by Rao, which would definitely indicate his role in the alleged offences. Hence, the petition is liable to be dismissed, the counsel of SIT prayed the court.
The counsel also submitted that there are several instances wherein commissioners of public authorities like BBMP were called to the residence of Rao.
“Information gathered through RTI was used to terrorise officials by other accused in the case.” He added, “The institution, instead of curbing corruption, was allowed to be converted into an office of corruption,” the counsel argued.
Justice Anand Byrareddy adjourned the hearing to Thursday
The SIT also justified the report submitted to State Government by them and the sanction given by governor to prosecute Justice Rao.
KSPCB chief appointment challenged, notice issued to State govt
THE High Court on Monday issued notice to the state government with regard to a public interest litigation challenging the appointment of Lakshman as the Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
Hearing the petition filed by RTI activist T Narasimha Murthy, the division bench headed by Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee issued a notice to Lakshman, who was appointed as the Chairman of KSPCB on December 21, 2015.
The petitioner contended that the state government has not followed the provisions of the Water Act while appointing Lakshman. According to the Act, the chairperson should be having ‘special knowledge or practical experience’ pertaining to the matters relating to environmental protection and experience in administering institutions dealing with such issues. But, the present KSPCB chairperson is in real estate business and has no special knowledge of environmental matters, the petitioner said.