Lokayukta also works on holidays to clear pending cases: BS Patil

Karnataka Lokayukta BS Patil at a press conference in Koppal on Friday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Karnataka Lokayukta BS Patil said the institution is making concerted efforts to speed up processing of pending cases and redressal of public grievances, with its judicial officers and staff working even on Saturdays, Sundays and other public holidays despite shortage of staff.

Addressing a press conference in Koppal on Friday, he said that around 30 to 35 judicial officers along with their staff regularly visited the office during holidays to ensure speedy disposal of cases.

“We have not stopped our operations due to lack of officers or staff and we will not do so in the future,” he said, adding that efforts are also underway to recruit more judicial officers and staff to strengthen the institution.

Expressing concern over the rising number of complaints, Mr. Patil said the number of cases registered every day had almost doubled compared to the backlog when he assumed office as Lokayukta. He observed that the increasing number of complaints was a matter of concern and urged government officials to discharge their duties effectively and respond quickly to people’s complaints.

“Officials should perform their duties effectively and address public grievances at the departmental level itself so that people are not forced to approach the Lokayukta for redressal,” he said.

He also said that the Lokayukta conducted surprise inspections in various government establishments, including food and civil supplies offices, tahsildar offices, regional transport offices, gram panchayats, hostels and schools, during its visits to Koppal and other districts.

“Teams of around 65 officers and staff conducted inspections in four districts over four consecutive days. Based on media reports and public complaints regarding issues like collapsing school roofs and inadequate basic infrastructure, the Lokayukta registered suo motu cases in Koppal district, taking serious note,” he said.

Mr. Patil warned that individual responsibility would be established and strict legal action would be initiated against officials found guilty of dereliction of duty, malpractice or corruption.

Published – 06 Nov 2026 19:09 IST