‘ACB needs to be scrapped and its powers restored to Lokayukta’
The Hindu
My foremost priority was to strengthen the institution, says Vishwanath Shetty
Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty completes his five-year tenure as the Karnataka Lokayukta on January 27. His tenure came shortly after a deep crisis in the institution. His predecessor Bhaskar Rao was embroiled in a corruption scandal himself and the chair lay vacant for two years after his exit. The State Government created the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), taking away powers from the Lokayukta police to investigate under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Mr. Shetty maintained a low profile through his tenure and championed several causes, including lakes and encroachment of government lands among other issues. Excerpts from a conversation with The Hindu.
My foremost priority through my tenure was to strengthen the institution, rather than glorify myself. After the Government formed the ACB, there has been a general feeling that the institution has been weakened. But I think following a crisis, I have tried my best to restore the credibility of the institution. I was also attacked by a person with a knife in my office in 2018. That was a bitter incident, but I soon overcame that and continued with my work. I am happy and content with my work. I toured the State once after I took charge and wanted to go on another tour, which did not happen due to the pandemic, but all of us are helpless.
Actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, announced that until the 2026 Assembly polls, it would not contest in any elections. This means the party is out of the running for the upcoming Vikravandi bypoll, slated to be held on July 10, and the local body elections.