Boycotting the corrupt only way to end graft: Justice Hegde

He spoke on issues ranging from his report on illegal mining in Karnataka and the Jan Lokpal Bill. Hegde also urged citizens to boycott the corrupt in order to put an end to graft. Excerpts.
 
With the release of the mining report, the last one week has been eventful. How do you feel?
Yes, it has been stressful also. Till the report was ready, there was a lot of (speculation).. whether it would be given on that particular day, or some other day. Ultimately, thank God, we could finish the entire report.

The chief minister (Yeddyurappa) has challenged the report in the High Court. What is your reaction?
No reaction. Because he has got the right. Going to the court is his right. Acceptance or otherwise is that of the court.

The governor says there is no reason to reject the report. Do you think it is a water-tight case?
I can’t comment on that. Once it comes to my knowledge that the matter is in court, I use the principle of sub judice. That is the principle I applied to Y V SDatta’s case. The matter is in the court, and it is not proper for anybody to comment.
 
On several occasions, you’ve asked for suo motu powers. Do you expect the government to consider this?
I don’t know. They have not given it to me. The day I’m laying down office, how can I entertain any hope that they will give it to my successor. Most probably, my successor will, if he feels it necessary, will ask (for it).

Has Yeddyurappa written a letter to you on the mining report?
He has filed an application, which I’m placing before my successor.

What do you think about the outcome of the Lokpal Bill?
I am a bit diffident as far as the outcome of the Lokpal bill is considered.
Because of the fact that the Cabinet has already passed the draft Lokpal bill, there is no elbow room for change now. Amendments may be moved by some members.

Was the Lokpal exercise futile?
In hindsight, it looks like it is (futile), but at least, a Lokpal institution has come. But for Annaji’s fast, the Lokpal institution would have never come (into existence). It has come with some skeletal provisions. If not now, later on the people’s voice will be heard, and it will be a stronger bill.

Will you join Anna Hazare in his protest?
I don’t mind visiting him. But I’m not in Delhi, I can’t afford such trips. (And) I’ll be out of India from 11th to 16th... On 17th, I may go there. But I won’t take part in the entire  proceedings.

Do you have any message for society?
I have one message. Corruption rate is growing high and we have seen the number of zeros going up. Unless we contain it to a level which will not harm the economy of the country, this country is in grave danger. The last one year, we have seen Rs 1.76 lakh crore in one scam, Rs 70,000 crore in another scam. Nobody could’ve projected that in one year, in this country, in one scam, such huge amount of money could have been involved. Rs 1.76 lakh crore would amount to the annual plan of this country -- how many times the annual plan?

So we have to fight corruption immediately and more strongly.
You cannot depend on institutions like the Lokayukta and the Police. As a society, we have to address the problem of corruption to do something about it. I feel in my experience, the only way we can have effective fight against corruption, is by boycotting the corrupt.