Establishment of complaints authority

(1) One or more complaints authority would be established by the Lokayukta to entertain any complaints against any officer or staff of the Lokayukta. (2) Such complaints authority shall have two members in all to be selected by the selection committee under section 4 of this Act in the same manner as the members of Lokayukta have been selected. (3) The members of the Complaints Authority shall be persons with extensive knowledge in law. (4) The complaints received against any officer or staff of the Lokayukta shall be inquired into by the Complaints Authority in a public hearing and shall be decided within two months of the receipt of the complaint. The officer or staff of the Lokayukta shall be given proper opportunity to tender his defence. If the officer or member is found guilty of misbehavior or dishonest investigation or corruption, the authority may order his dismissal, removal or reduction in rank. (5) The final orders passed by the Complaints Authority will be subject to the writ jurisdiction of the High Court. (6) In suitable cases it would also be open to the complaints authority to direct suspension of the officer or staff of the Lokayukta. (7) Complaints authority shall work in benches in accordance with regulations made under this Act.