Hegde’s swipe at advocates

BANGALORE: “If judiciary is corrupt, it’s because of advocates. If any politician or minister is corrupt, it’s because of the officials who work under them,” said former Lokayukta Justice Sant

Former Lokayukta Justice N Santhosh Hegde addressing the lawyers at a seminar organised by Advocates Association in Bangalore on Thursday | Sudhakar J

BANGALORE: “If judiciary is corrupt, it’s because of advocates. If any politician or minister is corrupt, it’s because of the officials who work under them,” said former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde here on Thursday.

Speaking on, ‘The Judicial Standard and Accountability Bill- 2010,’ organised by the Advocate Association, he said, today, if the judiciary is corrupt it’s because of the bar members.  Judges and advocates should declare their assets and liabilities in public, and the details should be put up in internet.

Also, court proceedings should be made available to the public, he said. The investigation agencies should be independent and no one should interrupt the investigation. If any of the chief judges are found to be corrupt,  President should take action and order for an enquiry,” he said.