Lokayukta addresses public grievances, vows to ensure speedy disposal of cases

Lokayukta addresses public grievances, vows to ensure speedy disposal of cases

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 17, 2023: In an official review meeting held on Saturday, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B S Patil acknowledged the existence of 16,000 pending cases for disposal within the Lokayukta. Justice Patil disclosed that the police, administrative, judicial, and technical wings of the Lokayukta have been assigned the responsibility of handling these pending cases. The rising awareness in society has led to an increased influx of complaints to the Lokayukta, with an average of 8,000 cases being registered annually, according to Justice Patil.

Addressing concerns about the delay in processing files related to single-site approval from the Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Justice Patil assured that an inquiry would be conducted in response to a received complaint.

To enhance the conviction rate in criminal cases, the Lokayukta chief emphasized ongoing discussions with the prosecution wing and investigation officers. Training initiatives have been implemented for both entities to eliminate loopholes in investigations and prevent witness hostility. The Lokayukta chief pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure that the guilty face appropriate consequences.

Highlighting the issue of vacant positions, Justice Patil mentioned having written to the government for their prompt filling. Despite 600 to 700 vacancies within the Karnataka Lokayukta, the chief clarified that these vacancies have not hindered the institution’s ability to carry out investigations, spot inspections, and other activities related to grievance redressal.

During the review meeting with Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat officials, Lokayukta chief urged action against individuals violating building rules in urban areas. Numerous complaints regarding rule violations in commercial complexes and residential buildings were received by the Lokayukta, prompting the chief to emphasize immediate action, even at the foundation stage of construction. Additionally, Justice Patil stressed the need for scientific waste management by urban local bodies (ULBs) and gram panchayats.

Key officials participating in the meeting included Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, Superintendent of Police C.B. Ryshyanth, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K. Anandh, Deputy Conservator of Forest Anthony S. Mariyappa, and Lokayukta Police Superintendent of Police C.A. Simon."