BENGALURU: The Governor’s nod has paved the way for Justice Perody Vishwanatha Shetty, former judge of Karnataka High Court, to take over the reins of Lokayukta in the state.
In an interview with Express, 72-year-old Justice Shetty says as the Lokayukta he wants to serve people and make all employees in the institution feel like Lokayuktas.
What do feel about your appointment as Lokayukta?
I am yet to receive the communication. I heard about my selection through the media. Naturally, I am happy as it was a unanimous choice for the post of Lokayukta.
How do you treat your selection?
I treat it as a recognition as six constitutional authorities — Chief Minister, opposition leaders in the assembly and council, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Chairman of Legislative Council and Chief Justice of High Court unanimously chose my name.
What were your thoughts when your name was recommended for the post?
To be honest, I never felt that I should just stay comfortably after my retirement as a judge of Karnataka High Court and that was the reason I continued to practice as a senior advocate in the Supreme Court. I always prefer to work for people. That is why I gave my consent. Finally, six constitutional authorities gave me this opportunity to serve.
How do you plan to strengthen the institution?
I will strengthen the institution in such a way that the institution should be able to do its job in the absence of a Lokayukta.
How will that be possible?
It is possible. I will make sure every officer of the anti-corruption body work towards being the Lokayukta and ensure transparency in the institution. This will enhance the staff morale. For this, I’ll need cooperation from all.
What are your thought on the different views that surfaced after your name was recommended for the post?
There may be politically divergent views over my selection. But people can check with judges, advocates and litigants how individually I have worked as the judge in Karnataka High Court. That is why my name has been approved unanimously. The Governor is proof for that. There may be greater challenges but these are part of life.
The police wing has been detached after the institution was dented by in-house corruption and extortion. How do you plan to restore public faith?
I don’t have a thirst for power, I have already enjoyed it. I want to serve people.
I work within my limits and discharge my duties to the best of my abilities. There are Upa Lokayuktas to check corruption among public servants.
When do you plan to take charge?
I’ll decide that after receiving the official communication.