Lokayukta presents annual report to Haryana Governor

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 5

Lokayukta Justice Hari Pal Verma today presented the annual report of the institution for 2021-22 to state Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

The report has called for amendment to the Act and rules for the powers of reviewing orders and of punishing for contempt of court.

The power for punishing for contempt of court will help the Lokayukta deal with officials who are not complying with orders. Lokayukta investigates cases of corruption, where substantiated, and recommends action. The “competent authority”, who is the Chief Minister, is required to send the action taken report (ATR) on the recommendations within three months.

The annual report for 2021-22 mentioned the details of the complaints that had come to Lokayukta and orders too.

A separate cadre of officials for the office of Lokayukta has been demanded from the government so that they could work dedicatedly and confidentiality could be ensured.

Meanwhile, the government has given sanction for the post of the Joint Registrar for the Lokayukta office.

The office of the corruption watchdog had to shift to Panchkula, but presently litigation is going on over the site. Since Justice Verma joined on September 11, 2021, there has been more disposal than the institution of cases. From September 12, 2021, to March 31, 2022, a total of 242 cases were instituted, while 321 were disposed of. Also, from April 1, 2022, to August 5, 2022, a total of 142 cases were instituted, while 199 were disposed of.

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