Unchecked corruption can destroy nation: Karnataka Upa Lokayukta

Mangaluru: Corruption and greed can push the nation to the brink of destruction. Strengthening the judiciary and media is the need of the hour to combat this menace, observed Karnataka Upa Lokayukta Justice M.B. Veerappa.

Speaking at an event on “The Role of Karnataka Lokayukta in Public Administration and Legal Services Authority” held at the Dakshina Kannada District Court auditorium on Sunday, Justice Veerappa emphasized the pervasive corruption in various sectors, including government hospitals, hostels, and schools.

He noted that bribery has infiltrated even democratic processes like voting, adding that self-reflection is crucial for every citizen. A robust judiciary and media can instill fear among wrongdoers, he remarked.

Focus on False Cases

Justice Veerappa highlighted that out of 20,100 pending cases in the Lokayukta, around 8,000 are false. He assured stricter measures against those filing such cases, as they delay justice for genuine victims.

Despite an 80% literacy rate, 90% of litigants in civil and criminal cases are educated. Many misuse legal provisions, assuming they can secure bail easily. The judiciary must issue stricter verdicts to deter such attitudes, he added.

Justice Veerappa expressed concern over the 5 crore pending cases across the country. While the Supreme Court resolves 70,000 cases annually and High Courts manage about 20 lakh cases, the backlog persists.

Site Visits and Inspections

Earlier in the day, Justice Veerappa visited several locations, including the Pachhanady waste management plant, where he reviewed the operations. He also interacted with students at pre-metric and post-metric hostels in PVS, addressing their grievances.

In the evening, he inspected Wenlock District Hospital, listening to patients’ concerns. He directed that Lokayukta awareness boards be installed in all government offices.

The program was presided over by Principal District and Sessions Judge Ravindra M. Joshi. Other dignitaries, including Additional Lokayukta Registrar K.M. Rajasekhar, Deputy Registrars K.M. Basavarajappa and Aravind N.V., Senior Civil Judge Shobha B.G., and Lokayukta SP Nataraj M.A., were present. Additional District and Sessions Judge Mallikarjuna Swamy H.S. welcomed the gathering.