Presenting chargesheets had speeded up in Lokayukta

Bhopal, Jan 24 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta Judge Ripusudan Dayal today said the task of presenting of chargesheets had speeded up in view of the recent Supreme Court order in this regard.

''Directions have been issued to Lokayukta Superintendent of Police in various districts in this regard,'' Mr Dayal said.

In its judgement on December 6, 2006, the Supreme Court said no prior sanction of the government was required to proceed against officers charged with corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

On whether the judgement had empowered the Lokayukta, Mr Dayal said the Lokayukta were not barred from presenting chargesheet against officials earlier but the question was whether the court would take its cognisance.

Asked whether both political leaders and bureaucrats did not want that Lokayukta grew stronger, he said some people with vested interests could think but it was not the case with everybody.

''Corruption is viewed as an evil in society and most people feel the need of an effective agency to curb it,'' he said.

He claimed that prosecution rate of the Lokayukta in the state was about 70 per cent.

''Besides showing speed, we are giving full attention to in-depth investigation and analysis. The whole procedure has been designed in a manner to avoid mistakes,'' he said.

A prosecution-related case was first studied by an officer of the rank of the Superintendent of Police and later by the Inspector General and the Director General of Police. If required, he also went through the case.

On pending complaints against some ministers and MLAs in the Lokayukta, Mr Dayal said he did not feel that it was appropriate to reveal anything unless investigation reached a certain point, as it would affect the social reputation of that person.

UNI