Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa has claimed that Karnataka ranks fifth in the list of corrupt States in the country.

Speaking after hearing and disposing of pending Lokayukta cases in Mandya and Malavalli taluks at B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in Mandya on Thursday, Mr. Veerappa said corruption is overflowing in every department of the State. “If this menace is not curbed, a grave danger awaits us in the future,” he warned.

He said the officials in the district had not been able to dispose of all the cases and remarked that it was not enough if the officials merely gave assurances and asked them to change.

He called upon the officials to use their authority in such a way that the public does not suffer injustice. They must demonstrate the true worth of their authority and discharge their duties with diligence and commitment, he said.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar gave the country a strong Constitution. The purpose of the Constitution is to provide everyone an opportunity to live equally. “From ordinary citizens to senior officials, everyone must discharge their duties,” he said.

Noting that India ranked 91st among a list of 140 corrupt countries, while Karnataka stood fifth in the country, Mr. Veerappa said officials must work in a corruption-free manner. “Change must come from both officials and citizens,” he said.

Pointing out that a total of 1,281 cases had been registered in 16 districts in the State, the Upalokayukta said officials should discharge their duties with honesty. “Officials have been given authority to serve the people. They must discharge their duties honestly and with dedication; otherwise, action will have to be taken,” he warned.

The Deputy Commissioner of Mandya, who also spoke on the occasion, said Mr. Veerappa is a person who strives against injustice with a lot of dedication.

As a judge, Mr. Veerappa had disposed of 30,000 cases, besides the 7,000 cases disposed of during his tenure in the Lokayukta. 

Principal District Judge, Mandya, Subramanya, Superintendent of Lokayukta Police, Mandya, Suresh Babu, Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority’s member secretary Anand M., Superintendent of Mandya District Police V.J. Shobharani, and Mandya District Advocates’ Association president Satyananda were also present at the programme.