BENGALURU: Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty has prepared multi-pronged approach to fight maladministration and corruption, using the disbanded Lokayukta police wing and recently set up Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Nearly four weeks after he took charge as Lokayukta on January 29, Justice Shetty has set out to rid the institution of the ‘weak’ tag and make it function effectively. He starts work at 10 am and goes on till late evening to reduce pendency of cases. He has already toured Mangaluru and plans to visit other districts too.
He plans to give an opportunity to the district administration to take note of public grievances and redress maladministration, before he act against them. This apart, he also held a meeting with the police wing and his staff to boost their morale.
What was the purpose of meeting of police officials?
There was notion among public the Lokayukta has become weak after the police wing was disbanded. That is not true. On Saturday, I held a meeting with all SPs, DySPs and Inspectors of our wing to explain how they can function under existing powers. I asked them to win the confidence of people and interact with them to get information on officials demanding bribes and badly administered departments.
How will this information help you to fight corruption?
Corruption — taking bribes, acquiring disproportionate assets — is part of maladministration. Though we don’t have powers to register cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, we can send confidential reports to ACB or we can take suo motu action under Lokayukta Act in case of maladministration. Hence, I told the police to hold discreet inquiries and send confidential reports to me. The Registrar will review the progress once a month and place it before me for action.
Do you think the ACB will cooperate with the Lokayukta institution?
Why not? The ACB cannot say ‘no’ if we send confidential reports. In fact, I held talks with ADGP N S Megharikh and IGP Sharath Chandra and both are cooperating with me well. So, the ACB will supplement our work. This apart, we can also find remedial measures to problems by taking them to the local police, district administration or the government.
How will you deal with high-profile cases?
Whoever they may be, cases against them will be dealt in accordance with law. But immediate preference will be given to the voiceless sections of society by ensuring that welfare programmes reach them. I am doing it already. Punishing errant people is important but achieving the purpose of welfare programmes is more important.
Is the government responding to the Lokayukta institution?
Yes. I am confident of getting full support from the government. If the authorities/government is satisfied that Lokayukta works for society by fighting maladministration, no government or authority can refuse to cooperate with the anti-corruption body.
Are there examples of government’s cooperation?
I can quote two cases. One is the Irrigation Department promising to complete the lift irrigation project in Koppal by end of 2017. Similarly, four-year-old hurdles for laying a road connecting villages in Kolar district was cleared by the district administration. Both were based on the report submitted by Upa Lokayukta Justice N Ananda.
How do you intend to deal with appeals filed in the apex court?
The officials of the institution are making recommendations to the government and the institution will ensure appeals are filed against acquittal of accused persons in Lokayukta cases by the lower courts.
Do you have a word for the public?
The Lokayukta is confident of functioning as an effective institution. I request people to bring maladministration/corruption to my notice. They can call me on 080-22257638.