In an an effort to create more awareness among the public about its functions, the Kerala Lok Ayukta has decided to observe every November 15, starting from this year, as Lok Ayukta Day. It was on November 15, 1998 that the Kerala Lok Ayukta Ordinance was promulgated by the Governor after obtaining consent from the President of India.
On the same day, it was published in the Kerala Gazette. Section 1(2) of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999, which replaced the ordinance, states that the Act shall be deemed to have come into force on the same day.
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, Chairperson, Lokpal, will inaugurate the Lok Ayukta Day celebrations at the Ayyankali Hall at 4 p.m. on November 15. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be the Chief Guest, while Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala will be the guest of honour. Justice Cyriac Joseph, Lok Ayukta, Kerala, will preside over the function.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Justice Joseph said that the intention of the event is to bring the institution closer to the people.
“The Kerala Lok Ayukta has been playing a significant role in fighting corruption and maladministration for the past two decades. But much more needs to be done to make the institution popular among the public ,” said Justice Joseph.
He said that the Kerala Lok Ayukta has registered 35,986 cases since its inception, out of which 34,662 cases have been disposed of.
He pointed out that one of the things hindering the effectiveness of the Lok ayukta is that it can only make recommendations to the competent authority, and not issue binding orders.
Deficiency
“We cannot execute our own orders as in the case of a court. That is a deficiency for us, that is probably hindering the effectiveness of the functioning. The Supreme Court had in a judgment said that in case of orders issued by the National Human Rights Commission, if the Government concerned is not satisfied, it should challenge before the appropriate forum, if it is not satisfied with the report. If they stay silent, and don’t get a stay order in HC or SC, they are bound by the recommendations. I personally feel that in the case of Lok Ayukta too, this can be a model which can be accepted,” said Justice Joseph.
