"I heard about Ramdev's plans in the media. I have nothing to say about it," he added.
Hegde was speaking at function to felicitate teachers at the Bangalore University. However, the Lokayukta was critical of the Union government on the midnight crackdown at the Ramlila grounds. "I cannot imagine how the state can lathicharge a sleeping crowd,” he said.
Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully. The government has violated fundamental rights of the citizen by its action, he said. Hegde noted that the shift in the government’s reasons for the action indicated that it does not think much of the people’s intelligence.
Subverted
On the criticism that the joint drafting committee for Lokpal bill undermined democratic institutions, Hegde said constitutional systems were being subverted in the country. In a democratic system of governance, elected representatives should conduct discussions on the bills proposed. “But we don't even see our elected representatives until the next election." Hegde said.
