THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Lokayukta intensified its anti-corruption campaigns by seizing eight crore bribe money in a flash raid in Karnataka and filing a case against an MLA, the Lokayukta in Kerala has fewer cases and is even unable to pass orders. The Lokayukta orders have been delayed as the Governor haven’t signed an amendment bill which gives power to the assembly and the Chief minister to review the orders of the Lokayukta. It has not yet been able to pass orders in misappropriation of distress relief fund case against chief minister and ministers. The trial was completed an year ago.

The amendment allows the assembly, the Chief Minister and the government to review the order passed by the Lokayukta. Lokayukta is a quasi-judicial body which includes former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court / High Court, two former judges of the High Court as sub Lokayukta, the District Judge as registrar and the Sub-Judge as Deputy Registrar.

The governor did not sign it because he believed that if it becomes a law, the government can judge its own case and use it as a weapon against the opposition. The ordinance which preceded the bill was approved by the governor. Even if the bill is stayed by the governor, under Article 213 of the Constitution, the provisions of the Ordinance shall remain in force until the assembl repeals it. It is because of this confusion that the Lokayukta does not issue important orders.

Lokayukta is the only way through which the public can complain about corruption, nepotism and abuse of power by public servants, officers and administrators and file cases without the permission of the government. Earlier, if a complaint about corruption was received, the vigilance could file a case. With the central amendment, a case cannot be filed without the permission of the government. The vigilance court also needs the government's permission to file a case. In case of Lokayukta, complaint can be filed on white paper by stamping a court fee of 150 rupees. The agency headed by the IG will investigate and find out the corruption. Documents can also be seized. If you don't have money to hire a lawyer, you can appear on your own.

The amendment will weaken the fight against corruption.

Annual expenditure of Lokayukta Office Rs 4.08 crore.

Annual salary of Lokayukta and Upa-lokayukta Rs 56.68 lakh

Cases are decreasing

2016 - 1264

2017 - 1673

2018 - 1578

2019 - 1057

2020 - 205

2021 - 227

2022 - 16

(Until March)