Governor within his rights to grant sanction, says Karnataka lok ayukta

Karnataka lok ayukta (anti-corruption watchdog) Santosh Hegde today said governor HR Bhardwaj was within his rights to grant sanction to prosecute chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on corruption charges.

"Legally speaking, the governor has the power to grant or refuse sanction despite the cabinet's resolution. He is empowered to do so", he told Press Trust of India.

"Though the governor has to go by the advice of the cabinet, there are exceptions where he can act independently and should act independently", he said, citing earlier rulings.

He said the advocates would now have to file a private complaint before a magistrate, mentioning it had received the required permission for sanction and ask the case to be investigated.