Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 24: The Mangalore Bar Association on Thursday March 24 criticized the chief minister over the establishment of Anti-Corruption Bureau terming it 'anti-democratic' and demanded that the state government withdraw the order in this regard.
Addressing a press meeter at the court complex here, S P Chengappa, president of Mangalore Bar Association said, "The Lokayukta is a powerful body which has sent many prominent politicians and officials to jail. But after former Lokayukta Bhaskar Rao assumed office, he and his team misused the institution. Now the state government, by forming ACB, is destabilizing the Lokayukta and stealing the rights of its ombudsman. This anti-democratic step has been taken to protect the corrupt.
"The state government took the decision to set up the ACB without holding any discussion with legal experts, or debate in the Legislative Assembly or seeking people's opinion," he added.
Warning the state government of protest if the ACB was not withdrawn, he said, "The chief minister should withdraw the ACB within a week, if not, the Mangalore Bar Association will go on a protest. The state government has failed to appoint chairman for the state Human Rights Commission and chairman for UPSC which will lead to delay in announcement of UPSC exam results."
He also said that cases in the district Consumer Forum have been increasing day by day and thus resulted in inefficiency in service due to staff shortage. "There are over 660 cases pending in the consumer court. We demand the formation of an additional district consumer disputes redressal forum," Chengappa said.
"The state government provides stipend of Rs 2,000 per month to advocates for the first year soon after they finish their degree in law and start practicing. This amount should be increased to Rs 3,000 for the first three years. Many people who graduate in law are opting for other professions which is a matter of concern; hence the government should support advocates. Further, the government should remove the slab of minimum annual income of Rs 40,000 in the stipend application. We also demand that the government increase the lawyers' welfare fund to Rs 10 lac for above 20 years of service," he added.
On the court road work, he said though it has been one-and-a-half years since foundation for the work was laid, it has not been started yet.