Modi Govt’s Bill dilutes powers of Gujarat Lokayukta

Ahmedabad  : The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday introduced a bill in the Gujarat assembly that attempts to dilute the process of appointing the Lokayukta.

According to the bill, the Lokayukta will have to seek the government’s permission before acting on a complaint, virtually giving the full control to the state.

If a complaint is now found to be frivolous, the complainant will have to deposit Rs. 2000 to Rs. 25,000 as fine and may serve six months in jail.

It also says that the selection panel for the Lokayukta would include the chief minister, the assembly speaker, a minister and the leader of the opposition; thus, eliminating the role of the Governor and Chief justice of the Gujarat High Court from the appointment process.