Lokayukta not for publicity, settling scores: P Vishwanath Shetty

Bengaluru: Lokayukta Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty is firm on two issues; that he will not have a public relations officer (PRO) at least for now and that he would not allow the Lokayukta institution to be “used for settling personal or political scores,” he told Deccan Chronicle.

“I have nothing to market here. Our work should speak for itself and people should be able to find the difference in government administration. The image of the institution should be such that people have faith in us and come forward to lodge their complaints. I do not believe in having a liaison officer to talk about our work because the objective and purpose (of a PRO) has not proved to be fruitful. I have also been advised not to have a PRO for some time at least. The Lokayukta and the two Upalokayuktas should set examples and motivate everyone to work honestly and sincerely keeping in mind public interest. Our effort should be to strengthen the institution and not make it individual centric,” Justice Shetty said.

He added that while he will examine and act on all bona fide complaints that are registered in the Lokayukta he will not entertain frivolous and mala fide complaints against bureaucrats or others, who fall under the purview of the Lokayukta.

“The Lokayukta is committed to clean the administration but I have seen that many a times publicity has had an adverse impact on the institution and on occasions, has damaged the reputation of bureaucrats against whom proceedings may have been initiated following a complaint. While the Lokayukta is duty bound to initiate action against erring officers and others, who are under its purview and deal with them sternly, it also has an equally important duty and obligation to protect honest and upright bureaucrats from being tainted because of other reasons,” the Lokayukta said.

“I do not want anybody to get the impression that they can use the institution for personal matters and will not appreciate a complainant, who has leaked the contents of the complaint to the media before it was registered before the Lokayukta. I may be forced to infer that the complainant was keener on publicity than seeking relief for his grievance from the Lokayuka. Confidentiality is very critical for the smooth functioning of the institution,” Justice Shetty added.