Eradicating corruption is a collective responsibility: Upa Lokayukta B. Veerappa

Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa receives complaints from the public at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Friday. | Photo credit: BADIGER PK

“It seems that we have all collectively nurtured the demon of corruption in the society. It is impossible to eradicate corruption only through the Lokayukta or any other institution. Every individual in the society has to decide to eradicate it,” Upa Lokayukta Judge B. Veerappa said in Belagavi on Friday.

He was speaking after inaugurating the camp for disposal of pending cases involving Belagavi and Bailhongal sub-divisions at the central hall of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

“In these critical times when the legislature and the executive seem to be faltering, the judiciary and the media, often referred to as the ‘fourth pillar’ of democracy, also seem to be increasingly ineffective. Yet whenever there is injustice in society, the judiciary and the press continue to support the constitution by raising their voices,” he said.

“Karnataka Lokayukta has left a strong mark in the country with its impartial investigations and operations. Yet it is not always possible to ensure justice for everyone. Society and families should socially boycott those involved in corruption,” he said.

“If corruption is eradicated, India will become a powerful nation. The society itself is responsible for the increase in the number of educated crooks. The society is heading towards a state of decay because people accept money in exchange for their votes during elections. Things will improve if the society changes. If we put aside selfishness and banish the demon of corruption,” India itself will become the most powerful nation in the world. We must realize that corruption is now an alarm.

He quoted Rashtrakavi Kuvempu who advocated Sarvariga Sama Bala, Sarvariga Sama Palu (equal share for all, equal life for all). “This is in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of India that assurances of equal rights have been given to all. We should follow that,” he said.

“However, even after eight decades of independence, constitutional rights remain a distant mirage for a significant part of the population. We are only fighting for our rights, yet there is a visible lack of interest in our responsibilities across all sectors. While we may pledge to work without corruption, we are simultaneously engaging in corrupt practices,” he said.

“As a result of persistent efforts by the Lokayukta institution, the government issued an order directing allotment of residential plots to all ex-servicemen and their legal heirs in their respective districts or taluks. This government order follows a year and a half of continuous advocacy. The process of identification and distribution of these sites must now be on a war footing,” he said.

The Upa Lokayukta has expressed concern that the filing of false cases, often by individuals acting as proxies, is delaying the determination of genuine cases and delivery of justice. He issued a stark warning that complainants who file false charges against government officials face up to three years in prison. “The Lokayukta has the power to take strict action against officials found negligent in the discharge of their duties. Officials should perform their work with care, caution and integrity,” he said.

Published – 31 Oct 2026 23:00 IST