Im at peace now; not for a 2nd chance: Shivaraj Patil

Rasiajo

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsIt has been exactly a year since Justice Shivaraj Patil resigned as Lokayukta. Ever since, the institution has been headless and the anti-corruption drive seems to have taken a back seat.The number of cases pending with the Lokayukta has touched 14,000, and many important posts like superintendents of police in Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad, Karwar, Raichur and Bangalore Urban are lying vacant.Justice Patil resigned on September 19 last year, barely two months after being appointed as Lokayukta, following charges that he got housing sites in his and his wife’s names in violation of rules.Apart from the vacant post of Lokayukta, the institution faces severe shortage of supporting staff such as SPs and DySPs, who play a crucial role in investigating cases.The Supreme Court is hearing a special leave petition filed by the state seeking clarification on the decision of the Karnataka High Court that the Chief Justice of the High Court must have a decisive say in the appointments of the Lokayukta and the Upa Lokayukta.According to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1983, the chief minister had to take initiatives to fill up the posts in consultations with a panel comprising Chief Justice of the High Court, presiding officers of Legislative Council and Assembly, and the Opposition leaders of both the Houses.In an interview with Express retired Supreme Court judge Patil, who served as Lokayukta between August 3 and September 19 last year, shares his views and experiences.Delay in appointment:Any institution of public interest should not remain vacant. The vacancy must be filled as early as possible. The High Court has also taken cognizance of the issue. I hope the state government will appoint a Lokayukta soon.Challenges before Lokayukta:There is a misconception about the institution. There is a need to create awareness about its functioning. People think that they can approach the Lokayukta if they don’t get relief from other courts.Ways to improve its functioning:Conducting raids and filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) is not enough. There has to be quality investigation, effective prosecution and speedy trial. Only then can they create a better impact. It’s mandatory to ensure good governance. It can even use technology to speed up the process. During my short tenure, I had instructed the Lokayukta officials to send notices and reminders through e-mail. Experts had told me that by using technology we can even monitor movement of files in government offices.On a second chance:No. I am at peace now. At first, I never wished for the post of the Lokayukta... I never wanted it. I took it only with the thought that I could serve the people of my state for five years. My appointment was not (made) by application, but by persuasion. However, it ended very soon, and I have no regrets.first published:September 19, 2012, 10:40 ISTlast updated:September 19, 2012, 10:40 IST
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It has been exactly a year since Justice Shivaraj Patil resigned as Lokayukta. Ever since, the institution has been headless and the anti-corruption drive seems to have taken a back seat.

The number of cases pending with the Lokayukta has touched 14,000, and many important posts like superintendents of police in Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad, Karwar, Raichur and Bangalore Urban are lying vacant.

Justice Patil resigned on September 19 last year, barely two months after being appointed as Lokayukta, following charges that he got housing sites in his and his wife’s names in violation of rules.

Apart from the vacant post of Lokayukta, the institution faces severe shortage of supporting staff such as SPs and DySPs, who play a crucial role in investigating cases.

The Supreme Court is hearing a special leave petition filed by the state seeking clarification on the decision of the Karnataka High Court that the Chief Justice of the High Court must have a decisive say in the appointments of the Lokayukta and the Upa Lokayukta.

According to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1983, the chief minister had to take initiatives to fill up the posts in consultations with a panel comprising Chief Justice of the High Court, presiding officers of Legislative Council and Assembly, and the Opposition leaders of both the Houses.

In an interview with Express retired Supreme Court judge Patil, who served as Lokayukta between August 3 and September 19 last year, shares his views and experiences.

Delay in appointment:

Any institution of public interest should not remain vacant. The vacancy must be filled as early as possible. The High Court has also taken cognizance of the issue. I hope the state government will appoint a Lokayukta soon.

Challenges before Lokayukta:

There is a misconception about the institution. There is a need to create awareness about its functioning. People think that they can approach the Lokayukta if they don’t get relief from other courts.

Ways to improve its functioning:

Conducting raids and filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) is not enough. There has to be quality investigation, effective prosecution and speedy trial. Only then can they create a better impact. It’s mandatory to ensure good governance. It can even use technology to speed up the process. During my short tenure, I had instructed the Lokayukta officials to send notices and reminders through e-mail. Experts had told me that by using technology we can even monitor movement of files in government offices.

On a second chance:

No. I am at peace now. At first, I never wished for the post of the Lokayukta... I never wanted it. I took it only with the thought that I could serve the people of my state for five years. My appointment was not (made) by application, but by persuasion. However, it ended very soon, and I have no regrets.