Hubballi: Emphasising the need to uphold the dignity of the office of the Lokayukta, former Lokayukta Justice Shivaraj Patil said that the anti-corruption institution is more important than anyone person and the institution should be given more respect. Addressing media people here, Justice Patil claimed that he stepped down, though he did not commit any irregularity in the allotment of residential plots to him and his wife.
Unnecessary delay in disposal of government files has led to large-scale corruption in government offices. The menace can be curbed only if stringent action is initiated against officials responsible. Seeking a comprehensive and speedy investigation into bribery cases, he said that mere raids will not help eradicate corruption.
Refusing to react to the demand by various organisations for the resignation of the Lokayukta, he said that stepping down is left to the conscience of Justice Bhaskar Rao. But, he said, the Lokayukta should adhere to the oath taken by him while assuming the office. "We must guard our conscience and protect the sanctity of the office of Lokayukta. The person who is heading the anti-corruption body should work as per the laws enacted in the Lokayukta Act," Justice Patil said.
Stating that he never hankered for the Lokayukta post, Justice Patil said that he assumed the post only after persuasion by several people. “But some vested interests, who foisted false charges against me, worked against me and forced me to step down,” he said. Speaking at the annual conference of chartered accountants later, he expressed concern that basic values of life, like honesty, credibility and integrity, are disappearing slowly. He was worried that the people are not giving importance to ethics and professional standards while discharging their duties.
