No differences with Anna, says Justice Hegde

Speaking after inaugurating the Udupi Lokayukta Office near taluk office in Udupi, he said the misconception was created by the media in the backdrop of Hazare’s plan to launch another Satyagraha on August 16, demanding early implementation of Lokpal Bill.

He said in his letter addressed to Anna Hazare, he has only asked Hazare to reconsider his plan. It would be better if he had started   “Bharath Sanchar” seeking support to fight against corruption.

He said the Udupi Lokayukta Office is second of its kind in the state next only to Bijapur.

He said “uncertainty still prevails over introducing Lokpal Bill. Corruption cannot be eradicated by introducing the institution of Lokayukta or Lokpal Bill, but attempts can be made to curb corruption. Lokayukta has registered 200 corruption related cases in the last six months.”

Earlier addressing media persons prior to the students interaction programme organised by Consumer Forum, Justice Hegde said that he is leaving for New Delhi to attend Tuesday’s final joint committee meeting on the drafting of Jan Lokpal Bill. This will help to clear all doubts about the differences.

To a query on Kapil Sibal’s statement on keeping Prime Minister out of the purview of Lokpal, he said this move will only dilute the purpose of the Bill. In a democracy law should be applicable to all without exception.

He expressed serious doubts over the government accepting the five demands proposed by the civil society. If the government fails to bring the Bill, the movement will be intensified across the country to awaken the public and pressurise the government, he said.

On ‘truth test’ before Lord Manjunatha by the CM B S Yeddyurappa and former CM H D Kumaraswamy, Justice Hegde said this may affect the devotees who have faith in the Lord. “It would be better to have a Commission to go through the charges, where they will have their say to prove their innocence.” He said the report on illegal mining will be submitted to the government by the end of this month.