Make delay when sun shines

As the last date for declaring their assets and liabilities happens to be the Lokayukta's last day of office, many legislators didn't file their papers yesterday

As the last date for declaring their assets and liabilities happens to be the Lokayukta's last day of office, many legislators didn't file their papers yesterday

Enthused by the fact that Lokayukta Santosh Hegde will not be there to punish them after missing the final deadline for declaring their assets, many legislators did not bother to file their papers on Tuesday.

Yesterday was the last day for MLAs (members of legislative assembly) and MLCs (members of legislative council) to declare their assets and liabilities before the Lokayukta, but as many as 66 legislators didn't turn up.
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While 188 out of 224 MLAs filed the papers, only 45 out of 75 MLCs complied.

Lokayukta Santosh Hegde had said he would publish the names of the defaulters after August 31 and would recommend legal action against those who didn't declare their assets.

The final deadline is on August 31. On that day, Hegde will relinquish his office, as it is his last working day as mentioned in his resignation letter.

"They are defiant because they know Hegde will not be there to take action against them," said BS Shivanna, president, Rammanohar Lohia Thinkers Forum, and a close associate to assembly opposition leader Siddaramiah.
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"However, I request the Lokayukta to publish defaulters' name without waiting for the final deadline."

Hegde had said he would publish the names of the defaulters after August 31, while recommending legal action against them that includes their dismissal and imprisonment.

Noticeably, Reddy brothers, who are in the eye of storm in the wake of Lokayukta's report on illegal mining in Bellary, were among the prompt legislators, who declared their assets and liabilities.

"As it is the brothers are in trouble with the election commission's notice to them on the allegation of having office of profit," said a BJP leader. "They didn't want to take chance in this case."

Suresh Bhat, a spokesperson to the Reddys, said, "They are law abiding and they have complied with Lokayukta. I don't know why people trying to read more into this."

While the list of defaulters was not available, Hegde was tightlipped, "I don't want to create a controversy. The defaulters list will be out when the time comes."

75
Number of MLCs in the state

45
Number of MLCs who have declared their assets

Law says

A legislator, who fails to declare his assets and liabilities within the deadline is liable to a month's imprisonment. If the declaration is found to be false, the jail term could be extended to six months.