Lokayukta ordinance: Political war to get intense in coming days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The stage for a political face-off is set as the opposition has intensified its fight against the Lokayukta's amendment and the CPM took a stand that there is no legal impediment for the government to go ahead with the ordinance. The Lokayukta will be the subject of controversy within the front as the CPI (M) has decided to turn a blind eye to the CPI's public dissatisfaction with the controversial issue and stick to its cabinet decision. At the same time, the governor is of the opinion that a final decision is sufficient only after a detailed examination of the legal aspects of the ordinance.

A group of senior Congress leaders led by Opposition leader VD Satheesan, including senior Congress leaders Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala, and various party leaders met the governor yesterday to demand that the ordinance not be signed. The plan is to go to court against it if the governor signs it. The Opposition will also propagate the political allegation that the Left government itself bringing an end to the law introduced by the Nayanar government out of fear of allegations of corruption.

Meanwhile, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran expressed his displeasure over the ordinance being approved by the cabinet without any discussion in the front. The CPI's move is to establish that they are not responsible if the ordinance is returned by the governor or handed over to the president. As there was no opposition in the last cabinet meeting where the amendment ordinance was passed, the ministers, including those of the CPI, remained silent in yesterday's cabinet meeting without raising the issue. The other constituents of the left front have not stated their position on the Lokayukta issue.

The amendment states that the decision of the Lokayukta can be overturned or rejected by the Governor, the Chief Minister and the government. Opposition groups say that as the CM takes decision against a member of his own cabinet, it is a violation of common justice. However, the government argues that changing the legal system that deprives the governor of his powers under Articles 163 and 164 of the Constitution is democratic.

The Lokayukta is a quasi-judicial system. The Governor and the Chief Minister are constitutional institutions. Pro-government jurists also argue that it is undemocratic for a statutory body to dominate them.

Three arguments before Governor

1. The Opposition argues that as the President's recognition was sought in 1999 when the Lokayukta law was passed, the amendment should also be done the same way

2. As the government is vested with the power to appoint the Chief Minister and Ministers, the government argues that it is unconstitutional for Lokayukta have another power

3. The argument that the amendment shouldn't contradict the Central Lokayukta law as it is still in effect

The decision will be delayed

The governor will leave for Lakshadweep today and will return only on February 1. A decision will be taken only after that.