Mysuru: The first action should be taken against corrupt officials in the Government, said Retired Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday October 17 during his private visit to City he said that the Government should appoint the officials chosen by the Lokayukta to strengthen the organisation. He said that some rules need to be changed in the Lokayukta Act for the same, he noted.
He said corruption has increased in recent times. Corruption was there before. But in recent times corruption has crossed the limit. Corruption is more widespread than ever in various sectors of society. Corruption has now increased due to excessive greed, whereas before there was desire and greed. Now greed has increased, he said.
Retired Justice Santosh Hegde expressed concern that this has led to an increase in corruption.
He said the abolition of ACB and reintroduction of Lokayukta is a good development. A person had moved to the Supreme Court for abolishing ACB and implementing Lokayukta. But the Court upheld the ACB’s annulled decision. Now the Government has to do the work of strengthening the Lokayukta. Government should appoint officers who are preferred by Lokayukta, he noted and added that Lokayukta has the ability to fight against corruption.
“Action should be taken against the corrupt officers under the Government. For this, some rule needs to be changed in Lokayukta. There is every opportunity to strengthen the Lokayukta,” he stressed.
