Karnataka - Bangalore

Lokayukta drops contempt proceedings against Sriramulu

Staff Reporter

Minister offers unconditional apology for remarks against institution

BANGALORE: Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde on Thursday dropped contempt proceedings against Minister for Tourism B. Sriramulu following an unconditional apology tendered by the Minister.

Mr. Sriramulu faced contempt of court proceedings for making derogatory remarks and questioning the motives of the Lokayukta, who ordered eviction of occupants from government land in Bellary.

Mr. Sriramulu appeared before the Lokayukta along with an advocate. The Minister was asked to submit his apology in writing.

The Minister explained that his comments were made in an emotional state of mind after he had seen the plight of the people who had been evicted. He added that the comments were not in any way aimed at deriding the office of the Lokayukta or meant to be disrespectful to Mr. Hegde.

Mr. Hegde told reporters that he was satisfied with the Minister's apology and explanation. Mr. Hegde added that contempt of an institution should not be treated as a criminal offence. It was a power used to maintain institutional integrity and reputation, he said.

Assets and liabilities

Minister for Youth Services Alkod Hanumanthappa and Minister for Agricultural Marketing Sharanabasappagouda Darshanapur, who face the prospect of being removed from their ministerial positions for not filing the statement of assets and liabilities for 2004-05 in time, also appeared before the Lokayukta.

The Ministers' legal team submitted that the Lokayukta had the power to condone the delay. The advocates said the Lokayukta report including the Ministers in the list of defaulting legislators was sent to the Governor instead of the Chief Minister, who, they said, was the competent authority. They also said the Ministers could not file the details in time because of the fault of their personal staff.

Mr. Hegde reserved his ruling.

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