The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Lokayukta raids conducted without examining complaint’

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Monday, Jan 14, 2008
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‘Lokayukta raids conducted without examining complaint’

Staff Reporter

Some participants express disagreement, seek more support

‘Selection process gives scope for political interference’
Lokayukta should maintain secrecy: Nanjegowda

— Photo: G.P. Sampath Kumar

H. Rangavittalacharya (right), judge, and H.N. Nanjegowda, former Minister, at a seminar in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: A group of intellectuals criticised the functioning of the Lokayukta by pointing out the technical flaws and the way in which the institution was seeking publicity even as many among those participating in the talk on “Jurisdiction of Lokayukta”, on Sunday, did not agree with it.

The audience at the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs was not interested in the technical details but wanted to know the measures necessary to strengthen the hands of the Lokayukta.

Incidentally, the programme coincided with the institution [of Lokayukta] completing two decades of its existence.

It all began with the presentation by senior advocate Subramanya Jois who explained in detail the scope of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.

Referring to the recent raids conducted on 13 police officials, Mr. Jois said: “It is unfortunate that these raids were conducted without prima facie examination of the complaint filed against the officials. No explanation of the officials was sought… you cannot take action soon after a complaint is filed.”

Further, Mr. Jois said that complaints filed before the Lokayukta should not be released to the media till it is inquired into.

“You conduct a raid, investigate it and submit a report to the Government. The report can be released to the media only when the Government fails to take any action. The law also states that the report should be released to three newspapers having wide circulation,” he said.

Another senior advocate S.P. Shankar questioned the way in which the Lokayukta was giving out details of the raids conducted by its personnel.

“Is it the work of the Lokayukta to give photographs and details of the raids conducted at illegal sand mining sites,” he asked.

Unnecessary

Stressing the need for a clear definition of the functioning of the Lokayukta, Mr. Shankar said awareness should be created about the fact that there “is no need for retired judges to cleanse our administration. We cannot afford to spend Rs. 32 crore [on them].”

Seeking changes in the process of selecting the Lokayukta, the former Minister, H.N. Nanjegowda, said the selection has to be made by the Governor “on the advice of the Chief Justice”. He said that the process that involves consultation gives scope for political interference after his appointment. He said the institution of Lokayukta should maintain secrecy on the information it receives rather than seek publicity about raids through the media. “It harms the reputation of officials who are projected as those who have committed a crime,” he said.

Even as the institution of the Lokayukta came under fire, several in the audience came to its rescue. Professor Rao of Girinagar said the functioning of the Lokayukta cannot be questioned when the Government is at fault for not taking action against those charged with corruption.

Expenses incurred on the Lokayukta cannot be termed as wasteful when much more was being wasted when legislators disrupt sessions in the legislature, felt another elderly gentleman. “There is a need to strengthen the hands of the Lokayukta at every level,” said Srikantaiah, another citizen.

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