BENGALURU: Minutes after taking oath as Upa Lokayukta, Justice Narayanappa Ananda, a former Karnataka High Court judge, got down to work on Wednesday. The state’s Lokayukta is assisted by two deputies—the Upa Lokayukta. While Justice Ananda was appointed in place of Justice S B Majage, who retired in July, the other Upa Lokayukta, Justice Subhash B Adi, on Thursday filed a writ petition in the high court challenging the motion adopted against him by the Assembly for his ouster. Known for his honesty, Justice Ananda’s appointment has come at a time the anti-corruption ombudsman is under the lens following an extortion racket run from its premises. He has worked in many capacities, including 16 years as an advocate, 13 as a district judge and nine years as a high court judge. In a recent address to advocates, he had highlighted the importance of morality and also touched upon the increasing number of white-collar criminals who are damaging the country’s reputation. He shared his views with media. Excerpts:
On expectations.
Within the ambit of powers conferred with the Upa Lokayukta, I will work honestly in the public interest and try my best to address grievances.
On taking up complaints coming under the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta.
No. If I do so, I will be stepping into the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta.
On addressing complaints pending before both Upa Lokayukta-1 and 2.
I will take a decision after studying the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984. I will also discuss this with the administrative officers of the Lokayukta.
On the decrease in the number of cases filed with the Lokayukta after the scam.
Just because there is a hospital, people can't come and get admitted if they have no illness. Similarly, in the case of Lokayukta, people will file complaints if there are reasons.