Renukacharya among Karnataka ministers yet to declare assets

Excise minister Renukacharya, ports and environment minister Krishna J Palemar, and social welfare minister A Narayanaswamy are the three ministers who have failed to file their statement of assets and liabilities with the Lokayukta as the deadline to comply with the regulation expired on June 29.

Lokayukta justice N Santosh Hegde sent a report to Governor HR Bhardwaj on Monday for initiating action against the 81 defaulters, including the three ministers, 64 MLAs and 17 MLCs.

The defaulters have been served notices and they have two months to reply and comply with the obligation of submitting their statement.

Those who fail to comply even after the two-month notice period would invite action as the Lokayukta is empowered to recommend stoppage of salary and perks for the legislators and in case of ministers, he can recommend their removal from the ministry.
However, the recommendation is not binding as the chief minister enjoys the discretion of acting on it.