'How can leglislative assembly become a court?' Lokayukta amendment is a game beyond limits, says Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lashing out at the Lokayukta Amendment Bill, opposition leader VD Satheesan on Tuesday asked how the Legislative Assembly could become a trial court.

"According to the amendment, the Assembly can decide whether to accept or reject the Lokayukta verdict against the Chief Minister. As long as the ruling party enjoys a majority in the House, the decision will be in favour of the Chief Minister regardless of what is right or wrong about the verdict. Lokayukta's verdict is based on evidence and legal examination. Rejecting the verdict with a political majority is contrary to the constitutional provisions on the limits of powers of the judiciary and the executive. This is a game that goes beyond limits. If there is a complaint regarding the verdict, it is the higher courts that should assess the verdict. It is up to the courts to decide whether a law is unconstitutional or not." Satheesan said.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition PK Kunhalikutty said that the Lokayukta amendment is a move to curtail the powers of the Lokayukta. "If it is said that the legislature will decide whether to accept the Lokayukta judgment or not, it means that the state government will decide the matter," he said.