The State government reportedly sent the draft ordinance of the amendment to the Lokayukta Act 1984, to Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur on late Thursday evening.

The ordinance seeks to amend the Act to grant suo motu powers to the Lokayukta to a limited extent, of initiating investigation against government officials, including IAS/ IPS officers, up to the grade of chief secretary.

As per the Cabinet decision, the Lokayukta can only recommend necessary penal action to the government.

Ministers, legislators and other elected representatives, however, continue to remain outside the suo motu purview of the Lokayukta. It was also decided to amend the Act to ensure the office of Lokayukta is not vacant at any point of time.