Hegde willing to draft Bihar Lokayukta bill

Justice Hegde,however,hasn’t got a formal invitation from the CM.

He confirmed to The Indian Express that Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal,whom the Bihar CM had approached first,requested Shanti Bhushan to ask Hegde to draft the Bihar bill for a strong Lokayukta.

Bihar government is planning to bring in the amendment bill in the Assembly’s winter session to effect changes in the Bihar Lokayukta Act,1973. The existing Act,dubbed as toothless,has only powers to recommend action against public servants barring the CM and its recommendation is not binding on the government.

Hegde said: “Though I have little idea about Bihar Lokayukta,Karnataka Lokayukta can definitely be a model with some more powers.” Hegde further said a Lokayukta has to be a “holistic agency” to effect good governance,cut red tape and fight corruption. “Complaint redressal is as much important as taking up investigation against the corrupt through specialised anti-corruption wing on the pattern of the Karnataka Lokayukta.”

Asked if he has met the Bihar CM ever,Hegde said: “I have met him on the sidelines on an award function in Delhi two years ago. I have high regards for him and his anti-corruption initiatives.”

Sources close to Nitish Kumar said he was in favour of roping in Justice Hegde but would take some time to take a call with JD-U national president Sharad Yadav being critical of Team Anna and coalition partner BJP having some reservation against the man who made B S Yeddyurappa quit as Karnataka CM recently.