Daijiworld  Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Mar 27: Retired judge of the state High Court, Justice M F Saldanha, has asked the government to arm the state Lokayukta with additional teeth. “The Lokayukta, created to eliminate corruption, has been turned into a toothless tiger as it has not been vested with the powers it needs to function effectively.  Because of this, the Lokayukta has not been able to achieve its objective,” he commented.

Addressing a press conference organized by Transparency International India, he noted that the government is bound to accord permission to subject an official for investigation within 30 days of receipt of such a request.  At present, the government sits on such requests for months together, without even responding to reminders, he noted.  He also felt that the Lokayukta’s operation has been restricted mainly to the city because of lack of proper personnel, which has increased the workload of the Lokayukta tremendously.

He called upon the legislators to sink their party affiliations and bring pressure on the government to bring amendments to empower the Lokayukta with enough powers. He informed that Transparency International will write to law minister, Suresh Kumar, Chief Minister, Yeddyurappa and all the legislators, in this connection.

He also sought a clarification from the government as to whether it wants to fight against corruption or not. He suggested for the abolition of the Lokayukta, if the government is not willing to arm it with more powers for effective functioning.