The newly-appointed upa lokayukta, Justice Chandrashekaraiah, caught in the thick of a controversy regarding his appointment said all legal procedures were followed and there is no “illegality” in his appointment as the upa lokayukta.
Speaking to this newspaper, Justice Chandrashekhariah on Saturday said that he was appointed by the governor after his name was recommended by the chief minister in consultation with the six other authorities — the chief justice of Karnataka, the Speaker, the chairman of Legislative Council and the leaders of the Opposition in the Assembly and the council.
“My appointment is legal and all rules under Section 3 of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act have been followed. There’s no controversy on the issue. My name was recommended by the chief minister and approved by the other members. I am not stepping down,” Justice Chandrashekaraiah informed.
When asked about the objection raised by Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen regarding his appointment, Justice Chandrashekha-riah said that he is “free to air his opinion” but it would not deter him from executing his duty as the upa lokyaukta.
“I am in charge of 17 districts in the state and I will discharge my duty in accordance with law. I have taken charge recently and am acquainting my self with the demands of the job,” said the newly-appointed Karnataka upa lokayukta.
Whether he spoke to the Chief Justice following his letter to Karnataka chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Justice Chandrashekaraiah said there was no need to do so.