Ramesh Chennithala challenges Kerala Lok Ayukta Act amendments

Veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala has taken a significant step by filing a petition in the Kerala High Court to challenge the recent amendments made to the Kerala Lok Ayukta (Amendment) Act, 2022. These amendments, which were approved earlier this year after receiving presidential assent, have raised concerns regarding the functioning of the authority responsible for addressing complaints against government officials.

The key changes introduced by the amendments involve the transfer of the authority to handle complaints against the Chief Minister, state legislators, and political office bearers from the Governor to the Chief Minister and Speaker, respectively. Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for the position of Lok Ayukta has been modified to allow the appointment of retired high court judges, departing from the previous requirement of exclusively appointing former Supreme Court judges or Chief Justices of state high courts.

Chennithala's petition emphasizes the potential risks associated with appointing retired high court judges who may have biased political affiliations, as this could compromise the impartiality of the Lok Ayukta system. He argues that these amendments not only diminish the stature of the Lok Ayukta office but also pose a threat to the independence of the judiciary.

The amendments have triggered criticism from various quarters, including within the Kerala Assembly. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan initially hesitated to approve the amendments but eventually relented under pressure from the state government. The petition is scheduled to be reviewed by a division bench led by Chief Justice A.J. Desai on Monday, where the implications of the amendments will be carefully examined.

The legal challenge mounted by Ramesh Chennithala against the amendments to the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act underscores the importance of upholding the integrity and independence of institutions tasked with ensuring accountability in governance. The outcome of this petition will not only shape the future of the Lok Ayukta system in Kerala but also set a precedent for the broader principles of transparency and fairness in public administration.