Mangaluru
Lokayukta Justice BS Patil said that in spite of vacancies, steps have been taken to dispose of cases on a war footing, and efforts are being made to improve the conviction rate.
He told media persons after an official review meeting, that the government has been requested to fill all vacancies in the Lokayukta.
There are 600 to 700 vacancies in Karnataka Lokayukta, but it has not come in the way of conducting investigation, spot inspection for complaints and other works on redressal of grievances. It is true that over 16,000 cases are pending with the Lokayukta for disposal. Pendency is being dealt with on a war footing with the available resources. We work from morning till evening. The police, administrative, judicial and technical wing in the Lokayukta have been given the task of disposing pending cases, he said.
On measures being taken to improve the conviction rate, the Lokayukta said that he has been holding periodic discussions with the prosecution wing and investigation officers. Both the prosecution wing and investigation officers are imparted training frequently, to ensure that there are no loopholes in the investigation. Special emphasis is given to ensure that witnesses do not turn hostile. Cases are being verified as per an order of the Supreme Court. All steps will be taken to ensure that guilty are punished, he said, adding that the Lokayukta has been checking the antecedents of the staff before appointment, to ensure that those involved in cases are not appointed to the institution.The Lokayukta has been receiving more cases due to the increased awareness among the public. An average of 8,000 cases are being registered annually, he said, adding that people trust the institution.
