Mangaluru: Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa said that the number of people filing false cases is increasing. Of the 20,100 cases pending resolution in the Lokayukta, he feared that around 8,000 cases could be false. Hence, steps will be taken to monitor and act against those filing such cases.
The Lokayukta will not allow itself to be misused. False cases are rampant across all courts, delaying justice for genuine cases and true victims, he said, quoting example of widow pensions being claimed when the husband is alive.
He was speaking on the topic ‘Karnataka Lokayukta in public administration and the Role of Legal Services Authority' at the Mangaluru court complex on Sunday.
He said it is important for those filing cases, especially activists, to file their Aadhaar details, and he called upon officials to ensure that the Lokayukta is not misused. He said that with a good literacy rate in the country, it is seen that those involved in civil, Pocso and other criminal cases are mostly literate.
"Despite having legal knowledge, many act as though they are unaware of the law, driven by the belief that they can secure bail for any wrongdoing. In such circumstances, judicial verdicts must be stringent to instil fear and discourage such behaviour," he said.
Corruption and greed are pushing the nation to the brink of destruction. "Even govt hospitals are not free from corruption. He said that govt hospitals must not prescribe medicines to be bought from outside. Corruption is present in hostels too. We have reached a stage where money is taken in exchange for votes. We have forgotten our values. Corruption and selfishness are increasing, and this will not save the country. In the pursuit of money and wealth, we are turning even the food we eat into poison. Every individual must engage in self-reflection," Justice Veerappa said, urging the need for a sense of social responsibility.
Judges must possess a sense of social responsibility and reflect it in their judgments. Only when the judiciary and the media have strong will, wrongdoers, including those in the legislature and executive, develop a sense of fear, said Justice Veerappa.
He noted that the Lokayukta and legal services authority have significant scope to address corruption and carry out extensive social welfare initiatives. Speaking on issues like rape and acid attacks, he emphasized the need for society to stand by the victims of circumstances and help rebuild their confidence.
About five crore cases are pending in various courts across India. Referring to Mangalureans, he said, people here do not hesitate going to the Supreme Court for even one cent land.