‘No need for comments from accused on Lokayukta report’

Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar has issued a circular to the heads of all government departments not to receive comments from government officials against whom, Lokayukta or Upalokayukta, has sent a report under Section 12 (3) of the Lokayukta Act.

The Chief Secretary stated that there have been instances wherein the department heads have been calling for comments from the accused public servants while dealing with the Lokayukta report.

Lokayukta or Upalokayukta sends a report to the state government whenever allegations made in the complaint are fully or partially established. The report is sent to the government under the provisions of Section 12 (3) of the Lokayukta Act. The competent authority in the government will have to intimate the Lokayukta or the Upalokayukta the action taken within three months.

“It has come to the notice of the government that certain competent authorities have been seeking replies or comments from the accused government servants on the report submitted by the Lokayukta or Upalokayukta. However, the action to be taken, based on the report, is strictly between the competent authority and the Lokayukta office. There is no provision to seek comments or reply from the accused government servant,’’ the Chief Secretary has stated in the circular.