Everyone Must Resolve to Eradicate Corruption: Karnataka Deputy Lokayukta B. Veerappa

Belagavi, Oct 30 : Corruption cannot be eradicated solely through the Lokayukta institution. Every member of society must take a firm resolve to eliminate corruption, Karnataka Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa said on Friday.

He was speaking after inaugurating a programme for the hearing and disposal of pending cases relating to the Belagavi and Bailhongal subdivisions at the Central Hall of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

"We have collectively allowed the menace of corruption to grow in society. Everyone must join hands to eliminate it. Those involved in corruption should be boycotted by society and their own families. This is an effective way to fight corruption," he said.

Justice Veerappa expressed concern that the judiciary and the fourth pillar of democracy, the media, also appeared to be becoming increasingly ineffective at a time when the legislature and executive were facing challenges. He said the judiciary and the media played an important role in upholding the Constitution by raising their voices whenever injustice occurred in society.

The Karnataka Lokayukta had earned a distinct reputation across the country through its impartial investigations and operations. However, ensuring justice for everyone remained a challenging task, he said.

He observed that the growing number of educated individuals indulging in fraudulent activities was also a reflection of society. The practice of accepting money in exchange for votes during elections was pushing society towards decline.

"Only when society changes can the system improve. If we set aside selfish interests and eliminate the menace of corruption, India will emerge as one of the strongest nations in the world," he said.

He further pointed out that corruption had turned into a competition, while nature itself was sending warning signals. Everyone must recognise the situation and change their ways.

Referring to the ideals of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, particularly the principle of equal share and equal life, he said the Constitution guaranteed equal rights to every citizen. However, even after eight decades of independence, constitutional rights had not become a reality for everyone.

While people continued to fight for their rights, there was a growing lack of interest in fulfilling their duties across various sectors. Those who pledged to work without corruption were often found engaging in corrupt practices, he regretted.

He recalled the sacrifices made by several great leaders in securing India's independence. Soldiers continued to work round the clock to protect the country, while farmers, considered the backbone of the nation, were also facing hardships. Society as a whole was responsible for the prevailing situation, he added.

Lokayukta's efforts lead to government order on sites for ex-servicemen

Justice Veerappa said that following the sustained efforts of the Lokayukta institution, the state government had issued an order directing that residential sites be provided to ex-servicemen and their legal heirs in their respective districts and taluks.

The order came after nearly one-and-a-half years of continuous efforts by the Lokayukta. The process of identifying and distributing sites to eligible beneficiaries should now be expedited, he said.

False complaints delay justice; Deputy Lokayukta warns of imprisonment

Expressing concern over the increasing number of false cases and frivolous petitions, Justice Veerappa said such complaints were delaying the investigation of genuine cases and the delivery of justice to those who deserved it.

He warned that individuals posing as social activists or Right to Information (RTI) activists and filing false cases against government officials would face strict action. Such complainants could be sentenced to up to three years in prison, he cautioned.

He also said the Lokayukta had the authority to take stringent action against officials who neglected their duties. Therefore, government officials must discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, caution and integrity.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Manjunath Naik, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Shinde, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Karnataka Lokayukta Deputy Registrar (Inquiry) Aravind, Belagavi DFO Kranthi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vijayakumar Honakeri and others were present.

Belagavi District Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Prasanna Desai welcomed the gathering.

Complainants from the Belagavi and Bailhongal subdivisions, along with officials from the concerned departments, attended the programme.