Lokayukta requests brand new cars; Government gives stiff 'NO'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has rejected Lokayukta’s request to purchase two cars for conducting raids and investigations, all across the state. As of now, Lokayukta is on the run to reveal the slew of Corruption, nepotism, abuse of power, and denial of justice by public servants, officials, and administrators. Travel is pertinent for conducting these investigations with ease, but Lokayukta is struggling with two battered cars in the garage.

The district judge, also the registrar appealed to the government about the same on March 21, 2022. However, the application was rejected citing austerity measures adopted by the government to fight a crumbling economy. Meanwhile, Lokayukta has received permission from the government to take cars for rent.

SP, two DYSPs, three CIs, and three senior CPOs from the police are provided an Alto car to travel all over Kerala. Vintage ambassador cars are rotting in the garage of Lokayukta, as they are in shambles and in no condition to touch the road. Meanwhile, the sub-judge, the deputy registrar in charge of judicial affairs, is allotted another ambassador car to travel. Interestingly, this car, whenever on the asphalt ends up in a breakdown. The scrapping period for this ambassador is scheduled for next year. This crisis has forced the registrar to beseech the government for new vehicles.

Lokayukta Justice Cyriac Joseph and Deputy Lokayukta Justices Haroon-al-Rasheed and Justice Babu Mathew Joseph are allotted Innova car and the Registrar has a Honda City. However, all these vehicles are approaching their scrapping period within 3 years' time.