BSY government desirous of lame-duck Lokayukta?

BANGALORE: At the outset it may seem that the state government's efforts to appoint three Upalokayuktas, by invoking the provisions of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, is to reduce the workload burden on the Lokayukta (ombudsman); however, the intention behind it may be entirely different.
When the fact that the incumbent Lokayukta, Justice N Santosh Hegde, who has not yet submitted a final report on the alleged illegal mining in the state is taken into consideration, the decision to appoint the three Upalokayuktas has raised eyebrows in political circles. It is widely speculated that the new Lokayukta, a candidate for which is yet to be selected, may have his wings clipped. According to highly placed sources, the state government which has written a letter to heads of Judiciary, Assembly and Council, including Leaders of the Opposition of both the houses, has sought their opinion and suggestions before July 18 for the appointment process. Till now, it is only the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta who investigate and report on allegations or grievances relating to improper conduct of public servants.