Will not appoint tainted judge as Lokayukta: Bhardwaj

"I will not appoint any judge as Lokayukta if he is accused in any case," he said.

In the continuing war of words between him and ruling BJP in Karnataka,Governor H R Bhardwaj today said he would not ratify appointment of any tainted judge as Karnataka Lokayukta.

“Let me make it very clear. I will not appoint any judge as Lokayukta if he is accused in any case,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Bhardwaj said he had no malice against any judge as he knew all of them,but “some illegalities” have been found against Justice S R Bannurmath. “How can I appoint a judge accused of illegalities? I cannot betray people of the state,” he said.

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The Governor had rejected Justice Bannurmath’s appointment as Lokayukta after reports came to light of irregularities committed in allotment of a site in his name Bhardwaj said he was in consultation with the government to appoint an honest and sincere judge as the Lokayukta.

Last week former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had charged Bhardwaj with trying to destabilise the government by recommending former Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde to again head the anti-corruption body.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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