Lokayukta bill passed after 'listening' to Guv

GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 24 April 2013 15:21 IST

The Goa Lokayukta amendment bill was finally passed today, with voice vote, as per the changes suggested by Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo.

No other member, except Congressman Aleixo Reginald Lourenco and independent Vijay Sardesai spoke during the consideration and passing of the amendment bill.

The bill, as suggested, has now deleted the whole controversial clause of ‘Offense and Penalty’ proposed for a false, frivolous and vexatious complaint.

The amendments to the original Lokayukta Act 2011 were passed by the Assembly in February. 

The earlier amendment bill had suggested a fine up to Rs one lakh and six month imprisonment for such a complaint.

“I have no problem in deleting the clause if people are opposed to it as CrPC has enough provisions to deal with such complaints”, said chief minister Manohar Parrikar.

He however refused to budge down on the demand made by sole member of the House – Aleixo Reginald Lourenco – to replace the word ‘may’ with ‘shall’ for a minister to resign if found guilty of corruption charges.

“Almost all the legal experts have told me that making it compulsory for a minister to resign clashes with the constitutional provisions”, said the chief minister.

No law can be above constitution, argued Parrikar.

“I will not change it because anybody on the road (रस्त्यावेले लोक) tells me to change it when experts feel that ‘may’ or ‘shall’ does not make any difference”, commented the chief minister.

He also argued what if the same chief minister, once made to resign, is elected as the legislature leader once again. Governor will have no option to give him oath, he said.

“Ultimately the chief minister should drop him due to public pressure”, felt Parrikar.

Parrikar also claimed that Karntaka chief minister B Yedurappa had resigned due to public pressure.

No member however pointed out that the Karnataka Lokayukta act has a provision of 'shall resign'. 

Lourenco and Sardesai also argued a bit to reduce the cost/compensation from Rs one lakh.

Parrikar however argued that the amount is from Rs 10,000 to Rs one lakh and it is up to Lokayukta how much he should fine.

“Why can’t we trust a person to the stature of a retired supreme court judge in such matters”, he asked.

All the amendments were then passed by voice vote. 


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Previous Comments

Francisco , Goa::::

As per Mr Parrikar`s skewed thinking, a Minister, including Chief Minister, is allowed to be corrupt as he is protected & defended by the "Constitution of India". He does not have to resign....unless public pressure is brought against him/.her

A Minster or Chief Minister may be corrupt under the Lokayukta...but not under the Constitution!

- N.Fernandes, London | 25 th April 2013 12:14

 

May - the 'corrupt' Minister has the option to resign or not.

Shall - the 'corrupt' Minister has to resign - no option.

If we want to prevent corruption, I feel that the word in the bill should have been 'SHALL' and NOT 'may'.

Why give option to a corrupt Minister to resign or not? Corrupt means, he/she should pack and go.

- Francisco, Goa | 24 th April 2013 20:17

 

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