BENGALURU: Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao has again extended his leave from August 31 to September 30. Lokayukta sources said Justice Rao sent a leave letter to Registrar (in-charge) M S Balakrishna extending his leave citing personal reasons.
When contacted, former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde said there is a provision of paid leave up to 30 days for the Lokayukta and sick leave can also be taken by providing a medical certificate. “It seems everything is being operated by Rao himself sitting in Hyderabad, as he did not give charge to the Upa Lokayukta,” he added.
“Complaints are not being taken. Everything has come to a standstill after the issue rocked the anti-corruption body,” said Justice Hegde.
After his son Y Ashwin was arrested in connection with the extortion scam, Justice Rao took leave from July 27 to August 14. He had to return on August 17 but extended his leave till August 31.
With the Lokayukta extending his leave further, litigants will be faced with difficulty, sources said.
The Lokayukta has to send a report to the government to take disciplinary action against those who have been found guilty in corruption cases. But due to Justice Rao’s absence, about 100 such reports have remained pending.
Registrar M S Balakrishna was not available for comment.