srinu - 10 December, 2009

(ಈ ಮನವಿಯನ್ನು ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ)

To The Hon. Chief Minister

June 26th 2010  :  Empower Lokayukta &  Bring back Justice Hegde

The resignation of the Hon'ble Lokayukta Shri Santosh Hegde is a low point for governance in the state. His action, coming after many months of repeatedly urging the government to give his office more powers, and to take action against various offenders he has identified, is a blackmark against the political leadership of the BJP, as well as the Congress and JD(S), all of whom have paid only lip service to the Lokayukta's efforts. It is particularly unfortunate that the Government has failed to protect officials of the Lokayukta's office from motivated legal and other attacks.

Even at this late hour, the Government can take corrective action, and restore public confidence that the much-needed battle against corruption in public service will be taken up seriously. There are three steps the government needs to take seriously, and immediately.

• Empower the Lokayukta with the necessary suo moto powers to initiate action against those found prima facie guilty of offences.

• Decline to accept Justice Hegde's resignation, and urge him gracefully to once again take up the battle on behalf of the good citizens of this State.

• Allow him to carry out the functions of his office, with the necessary support in manpower to be effective in curtailing corruption.

Original Petition from  U.N Anti Corruption Day 2009
 
Subject: Empower Lokayukta
 
We, the people of Karnataka, appreciate your services as Chief Minister of Karnataka.  We hope to see your commitment towards prevention of corruption will be realized soon.

You are aware of the alarming levels of corruption in the state. It is pervasive in all walks of public life and is a fundamental inhibitor in all efforts in driving reforms. Today, the people of Karnataka are frustrated with corruption, and even the presence of the Lokayukta is not able to curb this menace. Despite the will of the highest leadership, inadequacies in law have prevented effective action in bringing to book and punishing those found guilty of corruption.

The people of Karnataka are persistently hopeful and look to the Government to change this sad situation. We have a right to a corruption-free Karnataka where people found guilty of corruption are prosecuted and punished. We strongly believe that there is an overwhelming need to empower Lokayukta and formulate an enforceable law.

We urge you to take the following steps to remove the 'toothless tiger' label from Lokayukta: 

1. Grant ‘Suo Moto’ powers to Lokayukta to bring the corrupt to justice.
2. Repeal Section 19 of Prevention of Corruption Act and remove the need for sanctions.
3. Establish a Whistle Blowers Act to protect complainants.
4. All elected representatives and government officers must be considered as public servants and anti-corruption laws must apply to them

We approach you with great hope and wholeheartedly believe that you will follow up with utmost urgency.
 
sincerely,
The undersigned:
 

Copy to:

1. The Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly
2. The Chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council
3. The Leader of Opposition, Karnataka. Legislative Assembly
4. The Minister of Law, Government of Karnataka
5. The Minister for Legislative Affairs
6. All the Floor Leaders
7. All Party Presidents
8. To Governor, Prime Minister, MPs from Karnataka, Union Law Minister, and President of  India.

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