Penalties and punishments against corrupt public servants

(1) After the completion of an investigation if the Lokayukta is satisfied that the offence has been committed, it may either initiate prosecution against such government servant or may initiate proceedings for imposition of punishment of dismissal, removal or reduction in rank or both. (2) Lokayukta shall appoint such officers, who may be retired judges or retired government servants or such others as may be deemed fit by Lokayukta, to act as judicial officers for the purpose of inquiry under this section, at such terms and conditions as may be provided in regulations. (3) One or more judicial officers will conduct an inquiry against such Government servant for imposition of punishment of dismissal, removal or reduction of rank in which full opportunity to show cause would be given to such government servant. The inquiry will be completed within a period of three months. After conclusion of the inquiry, judicial officer(s) shall recommend the punishment of dismissal, removal and reduction in rank if any, to be awarded to that Government servant. The final decision on the recommendation of the judicial officer(s) will be made by the Lokayukta. (4) The decision in sub-section (3) shall be binding on the appointing/ disciplinary authority.