Karnataka’s Lokayukta Shivraj Patil resigns

Mtoday news / NDTV

Bangalore, Sept 19:  Barely a month after he was appointed the ombudsman of Karnataka, Justice Shivraj Patil has resigned. His letter of resignation is being studied by the Governor of the state, HR Bhardwaj.

 

Speaking to reporters Justice Shivraj Patil said, "The malicious campaign has deeply hurt and pained me. In this uncongenial atmosphere I have deemed it appropriate to submit my resignation... My fear is it will deter honest people from taking up such assignments which would become a great disservice to the fight against corruption..."

Justice Patil replaced Justice Santosh Hegde as the Lokayukta. Days before he completed his term, Mr Hegde delivered a strong report on illegal mining that indicted BS Yeddyurappa and other politicians for illegal mining. Mr Yeddyurappa was forced to resign as Chief Minister as a result of that report.

Justice Patil’s resignation has reportedly been prompted by reports that his wife and he own three plots of land in Bangalore in violation of city laws. The Lokayukta’s office is required to investigate land scams - some of which involve high-profile politicians.