Karnataka Lokayukta Faces Crisis Amid Growing Backlog of Corruption Cases
The Karnataka Lokayukta, an anti-corruption watchdog established over 40 years ago, is currently facing a significant crisis that threatens its credibility and effectiveness. As the institution grapples with an overwhelming backlog of cases, the public’s trust in its ability to combat corruption is waning. Recent data reveals that the Lokayukta has thousands of pending cases, with many requests for prosecution languishing in bureaucratic limbo.
A Growing Backlog
Recent statistics released by the Lokayukta indicate that there are currently 214 requests for permission to prosecute government officials on corruption charges pending across various departments. Alarmingly, more than half of these requests-108-were filed just this year through August, suggesting that the backlog is not only persistent but also accelerating. The data shows that 63 proposals date back to 2024, 23 to 2023, and nine to 2022. Some cases, such as those involving engineers from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, have been pending since 2018, highlighting the systemic delays that plague the institution.
In a particularly troubling instance from Gadag district, a decision to prosecute a group of Panchayat Development Officers was abruptly reversed just four days after approval. Despite a Lokayukta letter urging the reinstatement of the sanction, the case remains frozen, illustrating the complexities and challenges faced by the agency.
Unresolved Investigations
The Lokayukta’s struggles extend beyond pending requests for prosecution. A raid conducted in 2019 at the Department of Legal Metrology in Bengaluru uncovered ₹10 lakh in cash and sensitive documents, yet the case remains unresolved. The Lokayukta submitted its request for prosecution sanction in April 2023, but as of the end of August, no decision had been communicated. Such delays not only hinder justice but also contribute to a growing perception of ineffectiveness.
By the end of July, the Lokayukta reported a staggering 22,699 pending complaints. In July alone, 1,270 new cases were filed, outpacing the 845 that were resolved. An official within the agency, who requested anonymity, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “Every month we see more complaints being filed than resolved. The backlog is now at a level where investigations cannot even be initiated in thousands of cases.”
Staffing Shortages and Operational Challenges
The backlog is exacerbated by a significant shortage of personnel. Of the 1,929 sanctioned posts for officers and staff, many remain vacant. Requests to fill 66 Group-C positions, including clerks and assistants, are still pending. Additionally, eight districts lack Superintendents of Police attached to the agency, and a proposal to create 339 additional posts has been awaiting government approval for over a year. An official lamented, “Without adequate staff, even routine scrutiny of complaints gets delayed. The result is a growing mountain of files with little progress.”
The Lokayukta’s enforcement record further underscores its limited reach. Over the past two years, the agency conducted 218 raids against 219 government employees, filing reports in 150 cases. However, none of the targeted officials have faced punishment. While 82 were suspended and four cases were recommended for prosecution, only two sanctions have been cleared.
Government Acknowledgment and Public Sentiment
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the issue in the Legislative Council, acknowledging the gap between the number of raids conducted and actual accountability. He noted that in the last three years, no official subjected to a raid has faced punishment. Investigations remain ongoing in 113 raid cases, with proceedings stayed by the High Court in 67 matters and 34 first information reports quashed. Appeals are being prepared in those instances, further complicating the landscape of accountability.
The public’s sentiment towards the Lokayukta is increasingly skeptical. Established in 1984, the Lokayukta was envisioned as a robust mechanism to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance. However, the current state of affairs raises questions about its efficacy and commitment to its founding principles. The backlog of cases and the lack of timely action against corrupt officials have led many to believe that the institution is failing in its mandate.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The challenges faced by the Karnataka Lokayukta are not unique. Similar anti-corruption bodies across India have encountered issues of inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia. For instance, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has also faced criticism for its slow pace in addressing corruption cases. The historical context of these institutions reveals a pattern of systemic challenges that hinder their effectiveness.
In Karnataka, the Lokayukta was established in a period marked by rising public discontent over corruption in governance. The initial years saw significant successes, with high-profile cases leading to convictions. However, as the years progressed, the institution has struggled to maintain its momentum. The increasing complexity of corruption cases, coupled with bureaucratic hurdles, has contributed to the current crisis.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Lokayukta stands at a crossroads, facing a crisis that threatens its very foundation. With a growing backlog of cases, unresolved investigations, and staffing shortages, the institution’s ability to combat corruption is in jeopardy. As public trust wanes, the need for reform and revitalization becomes increasingly urgent. The Lokayukta must address these challenges head-on to restore its credibility and fulfill its original mandate of promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The road ahead will require not only systemic changes but also a renewed commitment from both the government and the public to uphold the principles of integrity and justice.
