Hegde a victim of political apathy?

The long-pending appointment of Uplokayukta will now assume speed, indicated highly placed sources in the government.

Justice Hegde tendered his resignation complaining of non-cooperation from the government. He was still a year away from retiring.

MiDDAY had published reports on the delay in the appointment and Yeddyurappa's efforts to bring in a fellow Lingayat. (Corruption cases pile up in absence of Uplokayukta, March 22).

"The delay in appointing an Uplokayukta was deliberate," said an insider in the government. "It was among the few steps taken by the authorities just to demoralise Hegde forcing him out and they seem to have succeeded."

Hegde tendered his resignation yesterday, complaining of non-cooperation from the government. He was still a year away from retiring.

One of his main contentions was a deliberate procrastination in appointing the post of Uplokayukta, that fell vacant after Justice G Patri Basavana Goud retired last year, leading to a pile-up of cases.
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Around 10,000 cases are pending against government officials lower in rank than IAS, as the Lokayukta cannot handle these cases alone.

MiD DAY had published a number of reports on the delay in the appointment and Yeddyurappa's efforts to bring in a fellow Lingayat.

While the CM wanted to appoint Justice S R Bannurmath as Uplokayukta, the retired judge was overqualified for the position, having been served as the Kerala High Court chief justice recently.

The alternate plan was to amend the act to make way for Bannurmath to become Uplokayukta and elevate him as the Lokayukta, when Hegde retired next year.

But, forcing Hegde out was a politically easier plan and it was achieved through 'operation non-co-operation.'

"I was tired of petty politics," said Hegde. "Let them appoint anybody. I am not bothered now."

Indicating a fast-track appointment of Uplokayukta, S V Ranganath, chief secretary to government of Karnataka, said, "It needs some procedures and I expect the appointment in a month or so."

But Bannurmath has to wait for two more months to be Lokyukta, since Hegde's resignation would take effect after August 31.

"Santosh Hegde has submitted his resignation and the next procedure will follow," said G V Krishna Rau, secretary to the governor.

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