Play constructive role in protecting human rights: Hegde

Bangalore, Jul 22 (UNI) Karnataka Lokayukta and former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Santosh Hegde, today called upon the public to play a constructive role in protecting human rights.

Speaking after inaugurating UGC-sponsored Foundation Course in Human Rights in Mount Carmal College here, he said, ''Members of the society should play a constructive role in protecting human rights''.

Justice Hegde said human rights was not limited to a section of the society or any individual. Every corrupt act leads to violation of human rights.

''Do not look at human rights violation as an individual, since it affects the entire society,'' he said.

He said honesty was the need of the hour in a value-based society and if the people developed an attitude for satisfaction, the problem can be minimised.

Mr Justice Hegde said his department was functioning transparently.

Though Lokayukta was aiming for a corruption-free society, its inadequate staff strength was a hurdle in launching crusade against corrupt officials.

He said as many as 159 officers were caught on corruption charges since January and Rs 167 crore assets disproportionate to known sources of income unearthed in 75 raids. The government, however, was yet to punish the wrong-doers, he claimed.

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