BENGALURU:The Lokayukta Special Court on Friday directed former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao to appear before it on January 9 without fail. The directive came after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the extortion racket in Lokayukta objected to the application filed by Justice Rao seeking exemption from personal appearance. The court posted hearing of Justice Rao’s bail application to January 9.
In its objection to the bail plea, SIT contended that the conduct/attempt of the accused in not taking legal action when corruption in the Lokayukta was brought to his notice itself gives ground not to grant bail.
The damage caused by Justice Rao to the institution cannot be compensated, SIT said, and appealed to the court to reject his bail plea.
Further, while pointing out deliberate lapses on the part of Justice Rao, SIT said the stance of the former Lokayukta delivered a huge blow to the anti-corruption movement. Because of corruption, people lost trust in the Lokayukta system, it said.
SIT contended that though Justice Rao was cited as witness in another case related to corruption and extortion, there was no legal hurdle in making him accused in this case. Just because the other accused were granted bail in other cases, it is not a reason to grant bail to Justice Rao. The circumstances, situations and developments during the probe should be considered, SIT said.
It added that the accused can misuse influence of his previous position and tamper with prosecution witnesses.
The objections were filed through Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Naik. Justice Rao is accused no.7.