Kerala HC Dismisses Ramesh Chennithala' Petition Challenging Lokayukta Amendment; Setback for Opposition

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the state government's amendment to the Lokayukta Act. The petition had been filed by former Opposition leader and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who had contended that the amendment constituted an encroachment upon the judiciary and a violation of the Constitution.

The government had introduced two key changes through the amendment to Section 14 of the Lokayukta Act. The principal change grants the State Legislative Assembly or the Speaker the authority to take the final decision on whether or not a Lokayukta order should be implemented. The High Court has now upheld this amendment, delivering a significant blow to the Opposition, which had mounted strong criticism against the legislative change.

The court's dismissal of the petition vindicates the government's position and closes a major legal challenge that the Opposition had pursued against one of the LDF government's significant legislative decisions.