THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is for an amendment to the Kerala Lokayukta Act in order to curtail the powers of it. The ordinance related to this was approved by the previous cabinet and has submitted it to the Governor for approval.

The Lokayukta has the right to rule that public servants are not fit to sit in the post if corruption is found. The present law requires that the judgment of the Lokayukta in this regard be given to the authority concerned and approved by the authority. However, with the new amendment, the incumbent can reject or accept such a decision of the Lokayukta. According to the new ordinance, the authority will have to take a decision on the matter within three months on Lokayuktha verdict. Otherwise the verdict will be believed to have been accepted.

The Lokayukta had ruled against K T Jaleel, a former cabinet member. The verdict was that he was corrupt in the appointment of his relative and should not hold the post anymore. Jaleel had gone to the Supreme Court to avoid resignation but the verdict was not in favour of him. However, with the amendment of the new law, the chief minister can take a decision in a similar situation through a hearing.