Will not appoint tainted judge as Lokayukta: Bhardwaj

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Dec 12: 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.
   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.