Hurt by Digvijay Singh’s remarks, Justice Hegde threatens to quit Lokpal panel

Agencies

 

Bangalore, 22 April 2011: One of the eminent members of the Lokpal Bill drafting committee and presently Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice N. Santosh Hegde has said on Thursday, April 21, 2011 that he is reconsidering whether to continue in the committee or not, indirectly hinting at quitting the panel as he said that he was very much hurt by the remarks of the Congress leader, Digvijay Singh who has said that, he (Justice Hegde) was not able to contain corruption in Karnataka in spite of being the Lokayukta of that state.

 

Speaking to Media, Justice N. Santosh Hegde said that he will be going to Delhi on Saturday, April 23, and after speaking to other members of the civil society representatives on the drafting committee will take a decision whether to quit the panel or not. 

 

On hearing the allegation of Digvijay Singh of his inefficiency in curbing corruption in Karnataka, Justice Hegde said that he was very much hurt by these remarks. Further he said, ‘This vilification campaign, I thought, will stop somewhere with people in Delhi. Now, it has come down to Bangalore. It is absolutely false allegation made against me and I am a former judge of the Supreme Court, I feel hurt,’ he said.

 

Responding to allegations that he was only taking action against others and not against Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who is facing allegations of corruption, Justice Hegde said that there is no one who has fought Yeddyurappa, the way he did. Though his hands are  tied, yet he had taken action, issued notices and sought explanation.

 

 

Reacting to the vilification triad let loose by certain vested interests against certain members of the Civil Society committee members, especially the Bhushans, Justice Hegde said that on one side, government agrees to Lokpal Bill pane and on the other side, the general secretary of the party started making allegations one after the other. President of the party (Sonia Gandhi) said  that she does not  like vilification campaign… but general secretary of the party goes on talking what he likes.

 

When asked whether he expected an apology from Digvijay Singh for the remarks that he had made against him, Justice Hegde said that he did not want an apology from Digvijay Singh as  this has been done deliberately to defame him publicly.  Further he said that a smear campaign is being unleashed  because they do not want the Jan Lokpal bill to come.

 

When asked about his opinion on the Bhushans continuing to be on the panel in the wake of allegations against them and the CD controversy, he said, "I leave it to them."

 

He said there were two opinions about the genuineness of the CD, hence it was difficult to comment. He also wondered as to why the controversial CD which was not brought to public notice before.

 

Justice Hegde said that there were no differences between the civil society members who are in the Lokpal panel and that the April 5th meeting was a cordial one. He, however, said that intention of the government is still doubtful.

 

Meanwhile, Digvijay, while reacting to Justice Hegde’s offer of resignation from Lokpal panel, said, "I’m sorry the way it has been presented to Mr. Hegde. I’ve always held him in high esteem. The point I have raised is that he is supposed to be the best Lokayukta and the Act followed by Karnataka is supposed to be the best. Still they have not been able to check corruption by B.S. Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers. And it went to the extent where a Supreme Court appointed committee went on to say there is no rule of law in Karnataka. So, only Lokpal Bill cannot root out corruption, but a comprehensive action as suggested by Soniaji."