Justice Majage sworn in as Upalokayukta

Retired Karnataka high court judge S B Majage was today sworn as the state’s Upalokayukta at a brief ceremony in Raj Bhavan here.

The Upalokayukta’s post had been lying vacant for seven months. Lok Ayukta Santosh Hegde demanded the post be filled up and was a condition laid down by him for withdrawing his resignation from the post earlier.

Speaking at a function after taking over office, Majage said he would work “within the ambit of law” and would make all efforts to check corruption. He asked aggrieved persons to come forward and lodge complaints if they have been affected by corruption. Majage described it as “a golden opportunity” given to him to serve people and said he would peruse through all pending files and try and redress grievances of people.

Speaking on the occasion, Hegde said “it gave him great satisfaction to see that the Upalokayukta had been appointed”. The Lok Ayukta said there were nearly 7,000 to 8,000 pending cases and nearly 3,500 cases ready to be cleared and awaiting the nod of the Upalokayukta.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said, the government as promised had filled in the vacancy of Upalokayukta and was confident that it would help strengthen the hands of the institution.