Hegde rules himself out from heading panel

Karnataka Lokay-ukta Santosh Hegde today ruled him-self out from being the chairman of the propo-sed committee to draft an effective Lokpal bill as favoured by social activist Anna Hazare who is on a fast-unto-death over corruption issue.

Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge known for his vigorous campaign against corruption, said former Chief Justice of India J S Verma, Hazare’s other choice, would be the most ideal person for the post. “No, I do not think it will be right for me to chair the joint committee,” Hegde said, noting his role in drafting the earlier Lokpal bill and supporting Hazare in his fight against graft might invite allegations of being biased and prejudiced.

“I think Justice J S Verma is the most ideal person to chair the joint committee,” he said here. Amid the stalemate over his dem-and for setting up a joint committee of government and civil society to draft the Lokpal Bill, Hazare today suggested the government to consider the names of Verma or Hegde for heading the panel.

Hazare, whose fast ente-red the fourth day today, has rejected the government’s suggestion that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee be the chairman of the committee. On Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, Hegde said, “I think it is moving in the right direction. The government has been offe-ring lame excuses on the issue for the last 40 years.” He said he himself had always spoken against corruption and backed all actions that could root it out.

Hegde said he had not met Hazare but had known him through his work and mission.