Lokayukta gets complaint against CM for 'interfering' in police transfers

A complaint has been filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several other elected representatives with the Lokayukta for their ‘interference’ in police transfers.

The complaint has been filed by V Shashidhar, president, Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasangha. The complainant said the police transfers were effected based on the recommendation letters issued by elected representatives, including the chief minister, even as Police Establishment Board (PEB) exists in the state.

Shashidhar has requested the Lokayukta to initiate enquiry in view of the order passed by the Supreme Court in transfer of police officials. He said that the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case had issued directions to all the state governments to establish PEB to reduce political interference in the matter of transfer of police officials. 

Earlier, Shashidhar had filed a complaint in this regard with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The ACB had closed the petition complaint in November 2016 stating that recommendations for the transfer of certain police officials were part of administrative work. Later, Shashidhar filed a writ petition in the high court. The high court in February 2017 dismissed the petition, asking the petitioner to consider filing a complaint before the Lokayukta.

The complainant stated that sub section (1) of the section 20B of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act 2012, deals with the constitution of PEB and appointment of the members of the Board. Shashidhar claimed that no discretionary power is given to the government in the matter of transfer and appointment of the police officers. The complainant has produced various recommendation letters issued by elected representatives for the posting of certain police officers which were also endorsed by the chief minister since 2015.

“The high court observed that an investigation may be made into any action which is either done by the chief minister or with the approval of the chief minister. But the same cannot be construed to mean that no complaint can be investigated against the chief minister without his approval. The high court said it is for the petitioner to examine the advisability of filing the complaint before the Lokayukta,'' Shashidhar said.